Medically reviewed by
Dr Beau Growcott BA (Psych), GradDipPsych, MPsych (Counselling), PhD
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a health condition that develops in some people who experience severely disturbing or distressing events.
The kinds of trauma that are typically recognised as leading to PTSD are actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence.
How common is PTSD disorder?
Eight per cent (8%) of Australian males and 14 % of Australian females experience PTSD in their lifetime, even though around 75% (3 out of 4) of Australians experience a traumatic event at some point. This shows that most people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
The experience of these four types of symptoms for more than a month, and associated distress or problems with relationships (or school behaviour, if relevant), indicates PTSD.
What causes post-traumatic stress disorder?
PTSD has been linked to changes in the way the body’s stress hormone system works, and changes in the nervous system and immune system.
The reasons why some people develop PTSD, while others don’t, are not known. Adverse childhood events increase the likelihood of PTSD. Exposure to repeated and/or severe trauma makes it more likely that someone will develop PTSD.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional, based on someone’s reported experience of trauma and their symptoms.
How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated?
Psychological therapies that help to change unhelpful beliefs, thoughts and memories of trauma are the most effective ways of treating PTSD. Psychological therapy in combination with psychedelic medication may be effective for some people.
Some antidepressant medications can help treat PTSD. The use of other types of drugs for the treatment of PTSD is experimental.
What does post-traumatic stress disorder mean for my health?
Lots of people with PTSD also have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, or use alcohol or other substances to relieve their symptoms.
PTSD is linked to higher-than-normal rates of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems and musculoskeletal disease. PTSD might contribute to poor health by increasing the prevalence of risk factors for disease.
What should I do about post-traumatic stress disorder?
If you think you might be affected by PTSD, it would be good for you to speak to your doctor as soon as possible and follow their advice.
Helplines like Lifeline (13 11 14) and MensLine (1300 78 99 78) can provide urgent support if you need it.
Phoenix Australia provides resources to help people recovering from trauma.
