Post-traumatic stress disorder

Patients should be given information about common reactions that occur immediately after a traumatic event (e.g., feeling shocked, numb, or unable to accept what has happened). They should be advised that there is considerable variation in the time it takes to come to terms with traumatic events, and informed about the wide range of emotions they may experience (e.g., fear, helplessness, anger, guilt, shame, sadness), as well as the fact they may experience fatigue, difficulties with sleeping (including dreams and nightmares), and problems with memory or concentration.

Patients should be advised to:

• Make use of the support available from family, friends, and other survivors

• Re-establish daily routines

• Express their feelings

• Take time to think and recover

• Not use drugs or alcohol to help them cope

• Not make any major life changes.

Patients should be advised to seek professional help if they are:

• Unable to cope with their feelings

• Not returning to normal after 6 weeks

• Experiencing severe problems with sleeping, anger, or social withdrawal

• Having accidents or their work is suffering

• Using drugs or smoking or drinking excessively in order to cope.

Support groups may be useful.

MIND: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Opens in new window

US Department of Veterans Affairs: National Center for PTSD Opens in new window

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Foundation of America Opens in new window