Common symptoms of PTSD: vivid memories (feeling that the trauma is happening right now), intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares, intense distress over real or symbolic memories of the trauma, physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea, or tremors. To develop post-traumatic stress disorder, you must have been through a traumatic experience or trauma. If you tell a provider about this type of event, they may test you to see if you may have PTSD. A screen is a very short list of questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors since the trauma.
The test results don't show if a person has post-traumatic stress disorder. A screening test only helps the provider understand if you should be evaluated further. Learn more about the PTSD Screening Day and do a self-evaluation at any time. The only way to know for sure if you have PTSD is to talk to a mental health care provider.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be complex and unexpected. You may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder months or even years after a traumatic event or experience. If you're experiencing insomnia, chronic anxiety, or hopelessness, you could be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
