Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Intrusive Thoughts and Memories

• Recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
• Recurrent distressing dreams about the traumatic event
• Intense or prolonged psychological distress or physical reactions to reminders of the traumatic event

Persistent Avoidance

• Avoidance of activities, people, or places that remind you of the traumatic event
• Avoidance of memories or conversations about the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

• Negative emotional state (i.e., anger, fear, guilt, numbness, etc.)
• Negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world
• Problems with memory, including not being able to remember important aspects of the traumatic event
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Inability to experience positive emotions

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

• Being easily startled or frightened
• Always being on guard or super alert, feeling unsafe or watched
• Self-destructive or reckless behaviors, such as drinking excessively or speeding
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating or significantly forgetful
• Easily provoked, irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior