Understanding PTSD: Symptoms and Characteristics

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include:

- Re-experiencing the traumatic event through intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

- Avoiding situations or objects that remind the person of the traumatic event

- Feeling numb or detached from others

- Feeling on edge or hypervigilant

- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

- Irritability or anger

- Feeling guilty or ashamed

- Losing interest in activities that used to be enjoyable

PTSD can be diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Treatment for PTSD may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.