• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

PTSD Symptoms in Men & Signs to Watch Out For

Published: July 12, 2022 Updated: January 5, 2023
Published: 07/12/2022 Updated: 01/05/2023
Headshot of Shirley Porter, RP, CCC
Written by:

Shirley Porter

RP, RSW, CCC
Dr. Maria Simbra, MD, MPH
Reviewed by:

Dr. Maria Simbra

MD, MPD
  • What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?Definition
  • PTSD Symptoms in MenSymptoms
  • What Causes PTSD in Men?Causes
  • Are Some Men More Likely to Develop PTSD?Likelihood
  • PTSD & Comorbidities in MenComorbidities
  • How Is PTSD Diagnosed?Diagnosis
  • PTSD TreatmentTreatment
  • Finding PTSD TreatmentGetting Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • PTSD Symptoms in Men InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Shirley Porter, RP, CCC
Written by:

Shirley Porter

RP, RSW, CCC
Dr. Maria Simbra, MD, MPH
Reviewed by:

Dr. Maria Simbra

MD, MPD

While men and women have similar experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) overall, symptoms of PTSD in men are significantly more likely to include increased alcohol or substance use, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and reckless behavior. Statistically, men are twice as likely as women to experience a traumatic event but only half as likely as women to develop PTSD.1,2,3

PTSD is understood to be part of our body’s natural reaction to an overwhelming traumatic experience. People can recover from PTSD with treatment to effectively decrease or eliminate symptoms through the use of different therapy techniques along with medications. PTSD is not a condition that men should have to live with on their own!

Find a supportive therapist that specializes in treating trauma / PTSD. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise following exposure to a single or multiple traumatic experience(s). For men who have developed PTSD, they might perceive a situation as “traumatic” if it has involved the threat of or the reality of death, serious injury, or sexual assault.4

The core features of PTSD include:4

  • Experiencing, witnessing, or hearing about one or more traumatic events
  • Reliving trauma through symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional/physical distress when reminded of the trauma
  • Active avoidance of experiences that are reminders of the trauma, such as thoughts, memories, people, places, and things
  • Increased physical/emotional distress that can lead to; increased irritability, self-destructive/reckless behavior, hypervigilance for perceived threats, overconcentration of problems, and/or sleep problems
  • Negative changes in thoughts and emotions (e.g., forgetting essential parts of the trauma; negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world; persistent shame, guilt, horror, or anger; social withdrawal; inability to feel positive emotions)

How Many Men Have PTSD?

Almost 9% of Americans can expect to experience PTSD in their lifetime. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among men is 6% as compared to 12 % for women.1,4 In any given year, approximately 3% of men will suffer from their symptoms of PTSD.1

Rates of PTSD are even higher among emergency responders and veterans who are more likely to be exposed to extreme violence and death.4 Among veterans, the prevalence of PTSD varies, depending on the specific combat events they participated in:5

  • Vietnam War – 30.9% (*lifetime prevalence)
  • Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom – 11-20% (*12-month prevalence)
  • The Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm – 12% (12-month prevalence)

Is PTSD More Common in Males or Females?

The estimated lifetime risk of developing PTSD among civilians In the US is currently at 9%, where women with PTSD outnumber men with PTSD by a nearly 2:1 ratio. 1,4 The exception to these gender differences is among military members, where there is no significant difference in the PTSD rate between men and women.6,7

PTSD Symptoms in Men

PTSD in men is characterized by trauma-related symptoms of avoidance, re-living, hyperarousal and distress, negative changes to thoughts and mood, and possibly emotional/physical numbness. While men and women generally have many of the same symptoms, men with PTSD are more likely than women to experience emotional numbness, alcohol/substance use disorders, reckless behavior, and hypervigilance. 2,3,8

Common PTSD Symptoms in men include:

Avoidance

Avoidance behavior is a hallmark of PTSD; actively avoiding certain things that remind a person of their trauma (e.g., thoughts, memories, people, places, things, emotions). This avoidance can happen consciously or unconsciously and serves as a biological survival mechanism to protect oneself from harm. Avoidance behavior works to prevent further instances of unbearable physical and emotional trauma-related distress that these trauma reminders would trigger.4

Re-experiencing the Trauma

One of the most distressing characteristics of PTSD in men is that the worst moments of one’s life aren’t just memories. They are re-experienced and re-lived in the mind and body as though they are currently happening in the present moment. This re-living might take the form of:4

  • Nightmares
  • Night Terrors (i.e., waking up terrified but not knowing why)
  • PTSD flashbacks
  • Severe physical or emotional distress that results from a fight or flight response when faced with trauma reminders

Arousal & Reactivity Symptoms

Men with PTSD often find it difficult, or even impossible, to relax. Instead,, they feel constantly on edge and on guard for threats. Common PTSD hyperarousal and reactivity symptoms include:4

  • Irritability
  • Increased angry outbursts (i.e., in the form of physical or emotional aggression)
  • Self-destructive or reckless behavior
  • Continuously scanning surroundings for possible threats
  • Concentration problems
  • Sleep issues
  • Extreme or exaggerated startle response (e.g., if someone comes up behind them without their awareness)

Mood & Cognition Symptoms

PTSD in men can cause changes in how a person feels and thinks. It can result in exaggerated negative beliefs about the self, others, and the world. Some examples of how someone reliving trauma might verbalize these thoughts include:4

  • “I am unlovable/damaged/not good enough.”
  • “No one cares.”
  • “No one can be trusted.”
  • “The world is dangerous.”

Suppose the individual experienced dissociation during the trauma where they either froze, “zoned out,” or their mind stopped recording memories. In that case, they might be unable to remember parts or all of the trauma. They might continue to have experiences of dissociation in everyday life whenever they encounter reminders of their trauma.

Other mood & cognition symptoms of PTSD in men include:

  • persistent negative emotions (e.g., fear, guilt, anger, shame)
  • inability to experience positive emotions/mood
  • social withdrawal and disinterest in others.

Numbness

Some men with PTSD also report experiencing emotional and/or physical numbness. This numbness refers to feeling disconnected from the present moment where one might feel emotionally “lost,” “flat,” or “disconnected.” They might even feel disconnected from their physical body as a whole, or more specifically, individual body parts. These symptoms are typically the result of survival mechanisms they used or developed to survive the initial trauma that is still active or are re-activated by reminders of their trauma.4

Signs of PTSD in Men to Watch For

If you think a male loved one may have PTSD, here are the signs to look out for:4,2

  • Increased alcohol or substance use
  • Increased reckless behaviors (e.g., provoking physical fights, driving while impaired)
  • Active avoidance of reminders of the trauma (e.g., people, places, things, discussions, memories)
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Increased irritability or angry outbursts
  • Social withdrawal
  • Sleep problems
  • Comments or behaviors that indicate the person might be considering suicide

What Causes PTSD in Men?

Differences in the types of trauma can disproportionately cause PTSD in men versus women. The following types of traumas are more likely to lead to PTSD among men:7,9,10

  • Combat/war
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Physical assault
  • Witnessing severe injury or death of another person
  • Fire or disaster
  • Surviving a life-threatening accident
  • Being threatened with a weapon

Help For Trauma / PTSD

Talk Therapy – Get help recovering from trauma from a licensed therapist. Betterhelp offers online therapy starting at $60 per week. Get matched With A Therapist


Virtual Psychiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment


Guided Psychedelic Journeys – Ketamine is a prescription medication that clinicians can prescribe off-label to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, and OCD. Innerwell pairs ketamine with support from licensed psychotherapists. Find out if you’re a good candidate: Take Online Assessment 

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Talkiatry, and Innerwell.

Are Some Men More Likely to Develop PTSD?

While the main cause for developing PTSD for men is the exposure to a traumatic event, there are some additional factors at play that can lead other men to having a higher risk of developing the condition. The same goes for those men who have protective factors that help prevent the development of PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for men who may develop PTSD include:7,11,4,12,2,3

  • History of interpersonal physical and/or psychological violence
  • History of sexual trauma
  • Having prior mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD)
  • Mild traumatic brain injury
  • Lower socioeconomic status
  • Lower education level
  • Being a racial minority
  • Experiencing trauma of high magnitude/severity
  • Having dissociated during the trauma
  • Having experienced significant trauma-related losses (e.g., loss of life, home, financial stability)
  • Lack of social support
  • High current life stressors

Protective Factors

Protective factors that help to protect men from developing PTSD include: 11,4

  • Higher education/socioeconomic status
  • Being married
  • Being in a safe setting (where trauma is no longer occurring)
  • Having good social support

PTSD & Comorbidities in Men

More than 88% of men who are diagnosed with PTSD will experience at least one co-occurring mental illness during their lifetime.13 PTSD is related to an increased risk of the developing the following co-occurring mental illnesses:4,12,14,15,16

  • Substance abuse or dependence (i.e., alcohol or drugs)
  • Major Depression
  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders
  • Specific Phobias
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Suicidal thoughts/attempts

Several commonly co-occurring physical health concerns appear to be related to PTSD. These include:16,19

  • Heart disease*
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Headaches
  • Diabetes*
  • Bone and joint disease
  • Neurological conditions
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Metabolic disease

*significantly more prevalent among men as compared to women

How Is PTSD Diagnosed?

PTSD can be diagnosed in as little as one appointment with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or physician with specialized training. The medical professionals do so by conducting interviews about your trauma history, the types of symptoms you experience, and how they may be affecting your life. However, the diagnosis process might take longer if there are complicating factors or if more information is required, especially if memories regarding the trauma have been affected.

PTSD Treatment

The past two decades have seen tremendous advances in PTSD therapies. The following treatments are currently the most effective in treating PTSD:17,18,19

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

These therapies focus on identifying, exploring, and rewriting distressing and maladaptive beliefs that arose from the trauma experience(s), to reflect a more logical/compassionate view of the self related to the trauma. CBT and CPT also focus on self-destructive behaviors, using interventions to shift those behaviors so that their impact is more supportive and adaptive.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

PE therapy focuses on gradually desensitizing the client to reminders of the trauma that typically triggers PTSD symptoms. The goal is to help the person get to a place where the mind and body will no longer need to use survival mechanisms in response to these triggers.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR is a therapy that involves imagining the details of the trauma while the brain is bilaterally stimulated (e.g., through light, sound, or tapping). EMDR’s objective is to allow the mind and body to refocus and reprocess their memories, releasing them of their trauma.

Group Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

CBT techniques used in a group therapy setting allows group members to change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to their trauma. TF-CBT allows them to come to terms with their trauma while reclaiming their thoughts and actions in the present in a social support setting.

Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are a “first-line” intervention to provide some relief from PTSD symptoms.20,21,22

Note: Medications still have the best result when paired with therapies such as those listed above. Be sure to speak with your licensed professional to ensure these medications are the right fit for you.

Finding PTSD Treatment

PTSD treatment is different from general counseling or therapy (see trauma-informed), and it is crucial to find a therapist who has a specialization in working with trauma clients. Your primary care physician is an excellent place to ask for a trauma counseling referral. College students can typically access therapy through their college counseling or health centers. Happen to have a coworker, friend, or family member who has benefitted from trauma therapy? Their experiences finding a therapist that has worked for them would be a good source of information to point you in the right direction. One simple way to find the best treatment for you is using an online therapist directory.

Final Thoughts

PTSD can be a cruel illness. Due to how trauma changes brain functions, you could find yourself re-living the worst moments of your life over and over again – and sometimes several times in a day. Remembering that PTSD is not about weakness or a character flaw is essential. Instead, it is an expected and natural reaction to an overwhelming traumatic experience, and it is possible to recover from PTSD. Several effective therapies are now available that can help “re-set” the brain and decrease or eliminate PTSD symptoms. Several medications can also be a helpful way to reduce distressing trauma symptoms.

The first step is asking for help!

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Mindfulness

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Guided Psychedelic Journeys

Innerwell – Ketamine is a prescription medication that clinicians can prescribe off-label to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, and OCD. Innerwell pairs ketamine with support from licensed psychotherapists. Find out if you’re a good candidate: Take Online Assessment 

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Talkiatry, Innerwell, and Mindfulness.com

For Further Reading

  • 10 Best PTSD & Trauma Books for 2021 -Choosing Therapies Top 10 books relating to PTSD and surviving traumatic events.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness:  PTSD – provides an overview of PTSD and information on treatment and support.
  • National Center for PTSD – Veteran’s Affairs – provides educational information (written, video, apps, etc.) on PTSD and treatment – for survivors of trauma, their loved ones, and health care providers.
  • National Institute of Mental Health – provides information on PTSD, treatments, how to help yourself, and opportunities to be part of research studies to understand PTSD and how to treat it.

PTSD Symptoms in Men Infographics

How Many Men Have PTSD? PTSD Symptoms in Men PTSD Treatment

14 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Kilpatrick, D. G., Resnick, H. S., Milanak, M. E., Miller, M. W., Keyes, K. M., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). National estimates of exposure to traumatic events and PTSD prevalence using DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. Journal of traumatic stress, 26(5), 537-547.  Retrieved June 5, 2022 from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096796/

  • Guina, J., Nahhas, R. W., Kawalec, K., & Farnsworth, S. (2019). Are Gender Differences in DSM-5 PTSD Symptomatology Explained by Sexual Trauma? Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(21-22), 4713–4740. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516677290

  • Hourani, L., Williams, J., Bray, R., & Kandel, D. (2015). Gender differences in the expression of PTSD symptoms among active duty military personnel. Journal of anxiety disorders, 29, 101-108.  Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S088761851400173X

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

  • U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. (n.d.)  PTSD: National Center for PTSD – PTSD Essentials.  Retrieved from: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/index.asp

  • Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 68(5), 748.  Retrieved from:  https://cv4.ucm.es/moodle/pluginfile.php/2641495/mod_resource/content/0/Art._Meta-an_lisis_Brewin_2000_.pdf

  • Jacobson, I. G., Donoho, C. J., Crum-Cianflone, N. F., & Maguen, S. (2015). Longitudinal assessment of gender differences in the development of PTSD among US military personnel deployed in support of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 68, 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.05.015

  • Torchalla, I., & Nosen, E. (2019). Sex and gender differences in PTSD and substance use disorder comorbidity. In Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorders: A Comprehensive Clinical Handbook (pp. 51-71). Routledge.  Retrieved from:  Sex-and-Gender-Differences-in-PTSD-and-Substance-Use-Disorder-Comorbidity.pdf (researchgate.net)

  • Sareen J. (2014).  Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: Impact, Comorbidity, Risk Factors, and Treatment. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 59(9), 460-467. Retrieved from:  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/070674371405900902

  • Tolin, D. F., & Foa, E. B. (2006). Sex Differences in Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Quantitative Review of 25 Years of Research. Psychological Bulletin, 132(6), 959–992. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.6.959

  • Coker, A. L., Weston, R., Creson, D. L., Justice, B., & Blakeney, P. (2005). PTSD symptoms among men and women survivors of intimate partner violence: The role of risk and protective factors. Violence and Victims, 20(6), 625-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.1891/088667005780927421

  • Galatzer-Levy, I. R., Nickerson, A., Litz, B. T., & Marmar, C. R. (2013). Patterns of lifetime PTSD comorbidity: A latent class analysis. Depression and Anxiety, 30(5), 489-496.  Retrieved from: PATTERNS OF LIFETIME PTSD COMORBIDITY: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS (uwo.ca)

  • Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C. B. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of general psychiatry, 52(12), 1048-1060.  Retrieved June 5, 2022 from:  s-25/publication/15707358_Posttraumatic_Stress_Disorder_in_the_National_Comorbidity_Survey/links/5a6878c40f7e9b7a554bf717/

  • Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of general psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627. Retrieved from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/208671

Recent Articles

Financial Trauma_ Symptoms_ Causes_ _ How to Cope
Financial Trauma: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope
Financial trauma refers to the emotional, cognitive, relational, and physical symptoms triggered by significant financial stressors. These stressors can...
';
Can PTSD Cause Hallucinations and Psychosis?
Can PTSD Cause Hallucinations & Psychosis?
It is not uncommon for those with PTSD to experience symptoms related to psychosis, such as hallucinations. Sometimes, these...
';
The 3 Stages of Trauma Recovery
The 3 Stages of Trauma Recovery
Survivors of trauma have been shown to heal in three stages, during which they work to re-establish their sense...
';
Meditation for PTSD: How It Helps & Exercises to Try
Meditation for PTSD: How It Helps & Exercises to Try
Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is considered a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and has been found to...
';
FT Dating Someone with PTSD
Dating Someone With PTSD: What You Should Know & 9 Tips
For those dating someone with PTSD, you're already aware that there is much more to your partner than their...
';
Adderall Side Effects in Men
Adderall Side Effects in Men: Erectile Dysfunction & Other Sexual Side Effects
While side effects of Adderall have a broad variation, men specifically can experience erectile dysfunction, inability to orgasm, or...
';
Headshot of Shirley Porter, RP, CCC
Written by:

Shirley Porter

RP, RSW, CCC
Dr. Maria Simbra, MD, MPH
Reviewed by:

Dr. Maria Simbra

MD, MPD
  • What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?Definition
  • PTSD Symptoms in MenSymptoms
  • What Causes PTSD in Men?Causes
  • Are Some Men More Likely to Develop PTSD?Likelihood
  • PTSD & Comorbidities in MenComorbidities
  • How Is PTSD Diagnosed?Diagnosis
  • PTSD TreatmentTreatment
  • Finding PTSD TreatmentGetting Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • PTSD Symptoms in Men InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept