Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The most recognizable signs are persistent symptoms following a traumatic event that last beyond one month and impair daily functioning. These fall into four categories: intrusion (flashbacks, nightmares, vivid memories), avoidance (avoiding triggers, emotional numbness), arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, angry outbursts, recklessness), and changes in cognition and mood (negative self-view, guilt, loss of interest, detachment). PTSD often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Take our PTSD assessment as a first step.

Diagnosis is made by a licensed mental health care provider. While it is natural to have some PTSD-like symptoms for a few weeks after a traumatic event, a clinical diagnosis applies when symptoms persist longer and significantly impair functioning. Per the DSM-5, the person must have been exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. The clinician will assess which of the four symptom clusters are present, duration, and functional impairment. Take our PTSD assessment before your first appointment.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical therapists are qualified to diagnose PTSD. A primary care physician can conduct initial screening and refer to a mental health specialist. Because PTSD frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, an experienced clinician familiar with trauma-related conditions is important for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Yes. Licensed therapists and psychiatrists practicing via telehealth can evaluate and diagnose PTSD. Online therapy is also an effective treatment option — CBT, CPT, and prolonged exposure therapy, the most evidence-based approaches for PTSD, are all available in online formats. An online psychiatrist can also support medication management.

CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and trauma-focused CBT are the most evidence-based therapies for PTSD. CPT focuses on how the trauma is perceived and reframed; PE gradually reduces avoidance of trauma reminders; CBT directly targets the thought patterns and behaviors sustaining PTSD. EMDR, SIT, and PCT are also used depending on individual circumstances. In most cases, therapy is most effective when combined with medication.

Seek professional help if symptoms related to a traumatic event have persisted for more than one month and are meaningfully disrupting your ability to work, maintain relationships, or function in daily life. Do not wait until symptoms become severe. Many people experience PTSD for years before seeking help; early treatment leads to significantly better outcomes. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, seek help immediately.

Yes. PTSD symptoms can be treated. A combination of therapy and medication is the most effective approach for most people. Therapy — especially CPT, prolonged exposure, and CBT — helps process trauma and change how you respond to triggers. SSRIs and SNRIs can help manage symptoms. Natural strategies like journaling, meditation, and exercise also support recovery. You may need to try different treatments to find what works best.

Your mental health care provider may use any of the following, or a combination, based on your symptoms and experiences.

Each person’s PTSD recovery journey is different. Past trauma (including childhood trauma) can impact life years later. A combination of talk therapy and medication is most common, but the right approach is individualized.

• CPT: Examines and reframes how you perceive and process the traumatic event.
• Prolonged Exposure (PE): Gradually approaches trauma-related memories and situations to reduce avoidance.
• CBT: Identifies and modifies thought patterns and behaviors related to the trauma.
• SIT: Teaches stress and anxiety management techniques; builds coping skills.
• EMDR: Focuses attention on a sound or movement while thinking about the trauma memory.
• PCT: Non-trauma-focused; addresses current stressors related to PTSD symptoms.
• SSRIs: Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac. See: Medications to Treat PTSD.
• SNRIs: Less common but effective for some. Your provider can determine the best fit.

According to NAMI, PTSD affects 3.6% of the U.S. adult population — approximately 9 million individuals. About 37% of those diagnosed are classified as having serious symptoms. Women are significantly more likely to experience PTSD than men.