Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
Choosing Therapy Logo

Newsletter

  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • PTSD DefinitionPTSD Definition
  • SymptomsSymptoms
  • SignsSigns
  • Get HelpGet Help
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics

Signs & Symptoms of PTSD

Eric Patterson, LPC

Written by: Eric Patterson, LPC

Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.

Reviewed by: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D

Published: February 18, 2022
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

PharmD

About 15 million people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it a relatively common mental health disorder.1 It has the power to create a set of diverse and distressing symptoms. Noticing the signs and symptoms of PTSD can help the individual, their loved ones, and their treatment team better identify and treat the diagnosis.

Therapy can help you recover from trauma. 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?

A trauma is a shocking, dangerous, or life-threatening situation experienced firsthand or indirectly. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an impactful mental health condition created by a traumatic event.1 This condition may start soon after the event and continue indefinitely.

Symptoms of PTSD

Compared to many other mental health disorders, particularly acute stress disorder, PTSD has a longer list of possible symptoms. Although not everyone will have every symptom, the condition can produce a variety of unwanted effects. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes four distinct symptom categories – intrusive, avoidance, thinking and mood, and arousal and reactivity – to help diagnose and track the disorder.

Here are the four categories of PTSD symptoms:2

1. Intrusive Symptoms

Intrusive symptoms emerge in the person’s thinking without warning. Intrusive outcomes are often uncomfortable and almost always related to trauma, but they could be connected to other stressful experiences or situations as well.

Intrusive symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Distressing memories of the trauma are repetitive and intrusive, meaning they can come suddenly and without a trigger
  • Recurrent nightmares and dreams related to the trauma, either by content or the feelings they produce, or PTSD night terrors where you wake up screaming
  • Powerful reactions, such as PTSD flashbacks, where the person feels like the trauma is happening all over again
  • Distress when presented with reminders of the trauma

In children with PTSD, intrusive symptoms may look different. Symptoms of intrusive memories in children dealing with trauma include playing in ways that display themes linked to the trauma itself, like car crashes or abuse. Children may also report scary dreams, but they might not remember the content upon waking.

2. Avoidance Symptoms

Avoidant behaviors and symptoms involve the person with PTSD going out of their way to limit their exposure to any trauma reminders. Even if the trauma triggers cannot be avoided fully, they will go to great lengths to minimize their exposure. The expectation is that by avoiding all triggers, they can avoid the impact of PTSD. Unfortunately, this plan does not work as intended.

Avoidance symptoms of PTSD are:

  • Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, and memories about the trauma and anything related to the trauma
  • Efforts to avoid any people, places, activities, conversations, items, and situations that remind the person of the trauma
  • Ending relationships, hobbies, or a job to limit contact with a trigger

3. Thinking & Mood Symptoms

Thinking and mood symptoms are common following a traumatic experience. The person could note a significant rise in erratic and unpredictable mood changes or thinking patterns that begin to impact their life and relationships.

Thinking and mood symptoms of PTSD are:

  • Memory problems, including the inability to remember certain parts or themes of the trauma
  • Negative beliefs or expectations of self or the world; in other words, the person might feel like they are bad, broken, or useless, and the world is scary, dangerous, or full of sick people
  • Blaming one’s self for the trauma by reworking or adjusting the cause and effect (e.g., they think the trauma occurred because they are a lazy, foolish, or gullible)
  • Being in a negative emotional state with anger, guilt, shame, fear, or other undesirable emotions
  • Showing less interest or participation in hobbies, activities, sports, or interests
  • Feeling disconnected or detached from loved ones
  • Struggling to feel wanted or positive emotions like happiness, joy, and love

A person could experience a chronically, consistent level of these symptoms, or they could report violent fluctuation in symptoms from day to day or even hour to hour. At their worst, the symptoms can result in suicidal thoughts or actions.

4. Arousal & Reactivity Symptoms

After a trauma, people are typically irritable and on guard as a way to protect themselves from pending threats and harm. Sadly, these responses tend to be overreactions that only make matters worse. Plus, being in this heightened state of alert is draining, leading to emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms of PTSD are:

  • Irritability, intense anger, or displays of verbal or physical aggression
  • Reckless, impulsive, and dangerous behaviors
  • Hypervigilance or a heightened state of alert
  • Oversensitive startle response (e.g., being jumpy or on edge)
  • Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good rest
  • Trouble paying attention at home, work, or school

Help For Trauma / PTSD

Talk Therapy – Get help recovering from trauma from a licensed therapist. Betterhelp offers online therapy starting at $60 per week. Free Assessment


Online PTSD treatment – Talkiatry offers personalized care from psychiatrists who listen, and take insurance. Get matched with a specialist in just 15 minutes. Take our assessment.


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

Signs of PTSD

The signs of PTSD represent numerous changes to a person’s thinking, feeling, and behavioral patterns. Many of PTSD’s effects will be “invisible” and only experienced by the individual with the condition; others will be more obvious and visible to even the most casual observer.

Signs of PTSD are:2,3,4

  • Being easily distracted and inattentive during conversations;
  • Forgetting things easily
  • Drifting off like they are paying attention to something that is not present
  • Avoiding certain people, places, or activities
  • Exhibiting unsteady or unwanted emotional states
  • No longer participating in activities they used to like
  • Isolating and ignoring friends and loved ones
  • Irritability and angry outbursts that seem unprovoked
  • Being jumpy and reactive to loud noises or certain situations
  • Constantly scanning the environment looking for danger
  • Appearing tired or sleep deprived

Note that just because one person with PTSD displays a specific sign does not mean that another will show the same indicators. Some people could be sad, stay in their room all day, and hesitate to go anywhere. Others could be energetic, restless, and irritable as they scan their surroundings for any sense of danger, overreacting when faced with the smallest perceived threat.

Like with other mental health conditions, people with PTSD may note a fluctuation or evolution of symptoms over time. They may show signs of aggression and anger initially before shifting to a depressed and isolated presentation.

Signs of PTSD In Women

Women are between two and three times more likely than men to have PTSD. They are more likely to suffer intense traumas, like sexual abuse, and the trauma impacts their development and personality since incidents often occur when they are young.5

Common signs of PTSD in women are:5

  • Increased defensiveness and sensitivity: a woman with PTSD may become defensive and hurt by others, even when those people intended to help
  • Being more emotionally-focused: women may be more tearful, sad, and expressive
  • More interest in social support: a woman with PTSD will be more likely to contact and confide in others for support and assistance

Signs of PTSD In Men

Men tend to be older when they experience trauma, which can result in different symptoms. Some gender differences can also exist in regard to irritability, alcohol use, and isolation. In the end, though, there is a limited distinction between men with PTSD and women with PTSD.5

Here are common signs of PTSD in men:6

  • Increased irritability, anger, and aggression: men tend to channel their sadness and fear into anger and hostility
  • Higher use of alcohol: rather than explore healthy coping skills, men with PTSD may pursue increased substance use as a way to self-medicate
  • Isolation: men may feel compelled to conceal their symptoms by hiding from others

Signs of PTSD In Children

Depending on their age, children may not be comfortable or able to verbally express their unique experience with PTSD and trauma. That means concerned adults will have to pay extra attention to the signs of PTSD in children. Some may show mild differences in their routines, behaviors, and moods; others could begin to act like completely different people.

Some common signs of PTSD in children are:2

  • Frightening and scary dreams with little awareness of the dreams’ content or meaning
  • Repetitive play with themes and aspects of the trauma
  • Reenactment of the traumatic event through play
  • Decreasing school performance
  • Poor compliance at home or in school with increased defiance and acting out
  • Less interest in playing with friends or participating in activities
  • Changing moods with irritability and sadness

When to Get Help For PTSD Symptoms

When it comes to PTSD, there is no such thing as getting help too early or too often. It may take weeks or months for symptoms to fully develop, but beginning treatment with a mental health professional can help manage symptoms before they escalate. Start your search for a therapist in an online therapist directory. 

A variety of professional treatment options have been proven effective for PTSD, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Before finding a therapist, consider different types of therapy.

Here are available styles of therapy used to treat PTSD:

  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Alternative and complementary therapies like brainspotting and EFT tapping

Final Thoughts

PTSD symptoms present a great challenge to the individual and their loved ones, but progress is always possible. Knowing the signs and symptoms of PTSD can give someone the information they need to move forward and get the professional assistance they need.

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 25,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take A Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment

Online PTSD treatment

Talkiatry offers personalized care from psychiatrists who listen, and take insurance. Get matched with a specialist in just 15 minutes. Take our assessment.

Treatment For Trauma & OCD

Half of people diagnosed with OCD have experienced a traumatic life event. The chronic exposure to stressful situations, such as ongoing bullying, or an abusive relationship can lead to the development of OCD symptoms. NOCD therapists specialize in treating both trauma and OCD and are in-network with many insurance plans. Visit NOCD

Trauma & Abuse Newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by trauma or abuse. Get encouragement, helpful tips, and the latest information. Sign Up

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, and NOCD. 

For Further Reading

  • 10 Best PTSD & Trauma Books for 2021
  • PTSD Statistics & Resources
  • Veterans Families United
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Stories You Might Like


Self-punishment: a sign of depression, trauma, or OCD?

Self-punishment is a term that refers to behaviors or actions people engage in to inflict pain or harm upon themselves. These actions can show up in all kinds of ways and can include self-harm, negative self-talk, or engaging in risky behaviors. Understanding the underlying causes of self-punishment is crucial for identifying and providing appropriate support to people caught up in these damaging habits. Read More

Can your PTSD Trigger OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two commonly known anxiety disorders that can often co-occur in people with a history of trauma. While OCD is thought to affect millions of people, studies have found that nearly 30% of people with PTSD also experience OCD. Read More

This content is sponsored By NOCD.

Signs & Symptoms of PTSD Infographics

Signs of PTSD Symptoms of PTSD - Intrusive Symptoms, Avoidance Symptoms Symptoms of PTSD - Thinking & Mood Symptoms, Arousal & Reactivity Symptoms

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.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.) How common is PTSD in Adults? Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2020, August). What is Posttraumatic Stress? Retreived from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2019, May). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

  • Olff, Miranda. (2017, September 29). Sex and Gender Differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Update. European Journal of Psychotraumatology. Retreived from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5632782/

  • Green B. (2003, January 17). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Symptom Profiles in Men and Women. Current Medical Research Opinion. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12803734/

Show more

Recent Articles

cptsd vs bpd
CPTSD Vs. BPD: Understanding the Similarities & Differences
CPTSD and BPD share many of the same symptoms, impairments, and risk factors. For example, CPTSD and BPD are...
';
sibling sexual abuse
Sibling Sexual Abuse: 8 Facts Parents Should Know
Sibling sexual abuse is a pervasive yet hidden issue. It is crucial that parents are educated on what to...
';
adoption trauma
Adoption Trauma: What It Is & How to Cope
Adoption trauma refers to the negative effects that can occur as part of the adoption process. Many factors influence...
';
15 Signs of Abusive Parents
15 Signs of Abusive Parents
Parental abuse can come in many forms, including physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional. Certain types of abuse, like physical...
';
divorce trauma
Divorce Trauma: Can You Experience PTSD From Divorce?
Divorce can be traumatic, and some people may experience PTSD symptoms after this separation. While divorce trauma itself may...
';
Stress Inoculation Training
Stress Inoculation Training: Definition, Techniques, & What to Expect
Stress inoculation training is a therapeutic intervention that aims to “inoculate” or protect people from future stressors. Like traditional...
';
  • PTSD DefinitionPTSD Definition
  • SymptomsSymptoms
  • SignsSigns
  • Get HelpGet Help
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics
Choosing Therapy Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2023 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.