What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. More about PTSD »
Signs & Symptoms
People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled. More about Signs & Symptoms »
Treatment
Effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with PTSD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. More about Treatment »
Getting Help: Locate Services
Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare, NIMH clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations. More about Locating Services »
Related Information
- NIMH Researchers Talk About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Focus on NIMH Research Into Traumatic Stress Reactions and Mental Health in the Military
- Farris Tuma on Mental Health Concerns from the Gulf Oil Spill
- Joseph LeDoux on Replacing Fear Memories
- Information on Coping with Traumatic Events
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Community Members Can Do
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do
- Children and Violence
- Information about medications
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Information and Organizations from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Español)
- Some mental illnesses also carry an increased risk for suicide.
Science News about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Featured Publications about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A booklet on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that explains what it is, treatment options, and how to get help. -
Anxiety Disorders
A detailed booklet that describes the symptoms, causes, and treatments of the major anxiety disorders, with information on getting help and coping En Español - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet
A fact sheet with a brief description of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its treatment.
