What are the typical symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder?

PTSD is a mental health issue that may occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Typical symptoms include acute symptoms, avoidance behavior, increased vigilance, and impairments in cognitive function. Each symptom has its unique manifestations, requiring an in-depth understanding to better identify and address them.

1. Acute Symptoms: After experiencing trauma, patients often repeatedly relive the traumatic event, a phenomenon known as "flashbacks." These memories can suddenly surface during the day or even appear as nightmares at night. This recurring experience is often accompanied by intense physiological reactions, such as palpitations and dyspnea, as if re-experiencing the trauma.

2. Avoidance Behavior: To avoid triggering painful memories, patients may consciously avoid certain places, people, or activities. For example, someone who has experienced trauma in a hospital may develop a severe fear of hospitals and even avoid going near them. While such avoidance behavior temporarily reduces pain, it can lead to social isolation and functional decline in the long term.

3. Increased Vigilance: After trauma, patients' nervous systems may be in a constant "state of readiness." They become exceptionally sensitive to external stimuli and can be easily startled by sudden sounds or movements. This hypervigilance often leads to sleep problems and irritability, severely affecting daily life.

4. Cognitive Function Impairment: Sustained psychological stress can affect the normal functioning of the brain, leading to difficulty in concentrating and memory decline. Patients may feel depressed, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and may fall into self-blame and feelings of worthlessness. For PTSD patients, seeking professional help promptly is crucial. Psychological and pharmacological treatments can effectively alleviate symptoms. Maintaining communication with others, engaging in appropriate physical exercise, and adopting a healthy lifestyle also help reduce stress and facilitate psychological recovery. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms is an important step in helping patients rebuild a healthy life. With active treatment and support, many patients can gradually resume normal living conditions.