FAQ and Factsheets: The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Anger is usually a central feature of a survivor's response to trauma because it is a core component of the survival response in humans. Anger helps people cope with life's adversities by providing us with increased energy to persist in the face of obstacles. However, uncontrolled anger can lead to a continued sense of being out of control of oneself and can create multiple problems in the personal lives of those who suffer from PTSD. [More...]

Child sexual abuse includes a wide range of sexual behaviors that take place between a child and an older person. These sexual behaviors are intended to erotically arouse the older person, generally without consideration for the reactions or choices of the child and without consideration for the effects of the behavior upon the child. Behaviors that are sexually abusive often involve bodily contact, such as in the case of sexual kissing, touching, fondling of genitals, and oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. However, behaviors may be sexually abusive even if they don't involve contact, such as in the case of genital exposure ("flashing"), verbal pressure for sex, and sexual exploitation for purposes of prostitution or pornography. [More...]

The diagnosis of PTSD accurately describes the symptoms that result when a person experiences a short-lived trauma. For example, car accidents, natural disasters, and rape are considered traumatic events of time-limited duration. However, chronic traumas continue for months or years at a time. Clinicians and researchers have found that the current PTSD diagnosis often does not capture the severe psychological harm that occurs with such prolonged, repeated trauma. For example, ordinary, healthy people who experience chronic trauma can experience changes in their self-concept and the way they adapt to stressful events. Dr. Judith Herman of Harvard University suggests that a new diagnosis, called Complex PTSD, is needed to describe the symptoms of long-term trauma. [More...]

The experiencing or witnessing of traumatic events can lead to psychological (emotional) problems and to physical problems (in addition to any that occurred at the time of the trauma). These symptoms can last for a relatively short time after the event, can last for months or years, or can "surface" months or even years later. [More...]

Many types of civil and criminal court cases and litigation involve claims of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The diagnostic validity of these claims can impact directly upon the defense, plaintiff, or prosecutorial strategy, depending upon the nature of the case. It is important, therefore, for attorneys and others involved in the legal system to be able to assess the validity of PTSD evaluations and diagnoses. Although only an expert in PTSD can complete an in-depth review of a case and the diagnostic methodology, it is helpful if those conducting initial reviews know some basic facts about PTSD and what constitutes a sound diagnosis. [More...]

At least 10% of men in our country have suffered from trauma as a result of sexual assault. Like women, men who experience sexual assault may suffer from depression, PTSD, and other emotional problems as a result. However, because men and women have different life experiences due to their different gender roles, emotional symptoms following trauma can look different in men than they do in women. [More...]

Nightmares refer to elaborate dreams that cause high levels of anxiety or terror (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). When nightmares occur in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they tend to involve the original threatening or horrifying set of circumstances that was involved during the traumatic event. This factsheet offers a brief discussion of both psychological treatments and psychopharmacological treatments (e.g., medicines). [More...]

Exposure to traumatic events such as military combat, physical and sexual abuse, and natural disaster, can be related to poor physical health. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is also related to health problems. This fact sheet provides information on the relationships between trauma, PTSD, and physical health; specific health problems associated with PTSD; health-risk behaviors and PTSD; mechanisms that help explain how PTSD and physical health could be related; and a clinical agenda to address PTSD and health. [More...]

PTSD does not automatically cause problems with alcohol use; there are many people with PTSD who do not have problems with alcohol. However, PTSD and alcohol together can be serious trouble for the trauma survivor and his or her family. [More...]

Those who develop PTSD may experience lasting problems in their intimate and family relationships or close friendships. PTSD involves symptoms that interfere with trust, emotional closeness, communication, responsible assertiveness, and effective problem solving. In seeking treatment, is it best to find a professional with expertise in both PTSD and in treating couples or families. [More...]

Traumatic experiences that happen to one member of a family can affect everyone else in the family. When trauma reactions are severe and go on for some time without treatment, they can cause major problems in a family. This fact sheet will describe family members' reactions to the traumatic event and to the survivor's symptoms and behaviors. [More...]

The diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was formally recognized as a psychiatric diagnosis in 1980. At that time, little was known about what PTSD looked like in children and adolescents. This fact sheet provides information regarding what events cause PTSD in children, how many children develop PTSD, risk factors associated with PTSD, what PTSD looks like in children, other effects of trauma on children, treatment for PTSD, and what you can do for your child. [More...]

Women who have experienced sexual trauma are likely to be high consumers of healthcare services. Many of the problems experienced by female survivors present themselves in the primary care setting. These difficulties include interpersonal, social, physical, and psychological problems that may last for many years. Suggestions for health care providers are offered. [More...]

Many hundreds of thousands of women have been raped in wars in this century alone, as reported in areas as diverse as Korea, Bangladesh, Liberia, Southeast Asia, Uganda, and in the former Yugoslavia. Assaults are often gang-related and sadistic, including other forms of physical torture. The effects of these types of trauma are immeasurable, long lasting, and shattering to both inner and outer worlds. [More...]

Focusing specifically on adult female victims of sexual assault, this fact sheet defines sexual assault, discusses rates of frequency, and provides an overview of some of the short-term and long-term concerns for female victims. [More...]

Sleep problems can be a normal response to past trauma or anticipated threat. Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, and having distressing dreams or nightmares are among the problems common for those with PTSD [More...]

Recent evidence suggests that psychological assistance can prevent or greatly reduce the severity of PTSD. Health care providers must be able to accurately identify PTSD and establish referral procedures. Possible behavioral health risks and psychosocial problems associated with PTSD are detailed. [More...]