Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health disorder that affects people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event or series of traumatic circumstances. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. This can affect the person's mental, physical, and social well-being. In addition, about 80% of people with PTSD suffer from other mental or medical conditions.*

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.

Most people with PTSD are not properly identified and are not offered education, counseling, or referrals for mental health evaluation. Primary care providers can play a powerful role in helping to treat PTSD as they are often the first point of contact for individuals with trauma-related experiences and PTSD symptoms.