PTSD Overview

After a trauma or life-threatening event, it is common to have reactions such as upsetting memories of the event, increased jumpiness, or trouble sleeping. If these reactions do not go away or if they get worse, you may have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Have you, or someone you know:

• Been through combat?
• Lived through a disaster?
• Experienced any other kind of traumatic event?

Understanding PTSD (PDF)
Includes full color photos, real stories, and more.

Understanding PTSD (Flash)

What is PTSD? This interactive module will help you learn about common reactions to trauma, hear real stories of those who have dealt with PTSD, and how to get help.

Help with Flash

Other Information on PTSD

• What is PTSD?
  Find out about the symptoms of PTSD and how they develop.
• ¿Qué es el TEPT?
  Conozca los síntomas del trastorno de estrés postraumático y cómo se desarrollan. (Spanish: What is PTSD?)
• Symptoms of PTSD
  Learn about PTSD symptoms and when to get help.
• Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD
  Basic information about PTSD and its treatment. Includes links to resources for getting help.
• Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre el TEPT
  Información básica sobre el TEPT y su tratamiento y enlaces a recursos para obtener ayuda. (Frequently Asked Questions about PTSD)
• Helping a Family Member Who Has PTSD
  Ways you can help a loved one with PTSD and ways you can help yourself.
• Cómo Ayudar a un Familiar que Tiene TEPT
  Formas en que puede ayudar a un ser querido con trastorno de estrés postraumático y las maneras que usted puede ayudar. (Helping a Family Member who has PTSD).
• How Common is PTSD?
  Find out how many people have PTSD and who is most likely to develop PTSD.
• Treatment of PTSD
  Describes the treatments shown to be effective for PTSD and what you can expect from your therapist.
• Understanding PTS(D): Adapt and Overcome
  Read this interview of Dr. Matthew Friedman, Executive Director of the National Center for PTSD, to understand more about returning from war.
• Understanding PTSD Treatment
  View this interactive module about PTSD treatment options. A companion to Understanding PTSD, it has full color photos and videos of clinicians who provide care. It can help overcome any myths you might have about PTSD treatment.
• What Can I Do if I Think I Have PTSD?
  Learn what to do and answer a questionnaire to see if you need to be assessed by a professional.
• ¿Qué Puedo Hacer si Creo que Tengo el Trastorno por Estrés Postraumático?
  Aprenda qué hacer y contestar un cuestionario para ver si necesita ser evaluado por un profesional. (Spanish: What Can I Do if I Think I Have PTSD?)