Posttraumatic stress disorder

therapy session with young woman suffering from PTSD

A disorder that may result when an individual lives through or witnesses an event in which they believe that there is a threat to life or physical integrity and safety and experiences fear, terror, or helplessness.

The symptoms are characterized by (a) reexperiencing the trauma in painful recollections, flashbacks, or recurrent dreams or nightmares; (b) avoidance of activities or places that recall the traumatic event, as well as diminished responsiveness (emotional anesthesia or numbing), with disinterest in significant activities and with feelings of detachment and estrangement from others; and (c) chronic physiological arousal, leading to such symptoms as an exaggerated startle response, disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentrating or remembering, and guilt about surviving the trauma when others did not.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

Eyewitness identification, PTSD treatment, and more scientific findings

Summaries of research from psychology and related fields

Guidelines: Adults With PTSD and Traumatic Stress Disorders

These guidelines provide psychologists with a scientifically supported framework for working with adults with trauma-related disorders

New guidelines on treating PTSD and trauma

Frameworks help clinicians broaden their practice and personalize treatment

Close-up of female psychologist hands holding to her patient man at the counseling room

Irritability in PTSD

Psychological Trauma article highlights the significance of irritability as a hallmark of PTSD.

More resources about PTSD

What APA is doing

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults cover

Guidelines

Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of PTSD in adults

APA guideline provides recommendations on psychological and pharmacological treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults.

Divisions

Trauma Psychology

APA’s Division 56 provides a forum for scientific research, professional and public education, and the exchange of collegial support for professional activities related to traumatic stress.