What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Hello,

Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within the first three months after a traumatic event. But sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms last more than one month and cause major problems in social or work situations and how well you get along with others. They also can affect your ability to do your usual daily tasks.

Generally, PTSD symptoms are grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

Intrusive memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

Unwanted, distressing memories of a traumatic event that come back over and over again.
Reliving a traumatic event as if it were happening again, also known as flashbacks.
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about a traumatic event.
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of a traumatic event.
Avoidance
Symptoms of avoidance may include:

Trying not to think or talk about a traumatic event.
Staying away from places, activities or people that remind you of a traumatic event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world.
Ongoing negative emotions of fear, blame, guilt, anger or shame.
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of a traumatic event.
Feeling detached from family and friends.
Not being interested in activities you once enjoyed.
Having a hard time feeling positive emotions.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions, also called arousal symptoms, may include:

Being easily startled or frightened.
Always being on guard for danger.
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast.
Trouble sleeping.
Trouble concentrating.
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior.
Physical reactions, such as sweating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat or shaking.
For children 6 years old and younger, symptoms also may include:

Reenacting a traumatic event or aspects of a traumatic event through play.
Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of a traumatic event.
Intensity of symptoms
Over time, PTSD symptoms can vary in how severe they are. You may have more PTSD symptoms when you're generally stressed or when you come across reminders of what you went through, including the same time of year when a past traumatic event happened. For example, you may hear a car backfire and relive combat experiences. Or you may see a report on the news about a sexual assault and feel overcome by memories of your assault.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Regards, masso