Posttraumatic stress symptom

What it means

A behavioral or psychological symptom that typically occurs following exposure to one or more traumatic events is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive recollections, such as re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, memories, or nightmares. Additionally, individuals may experience avoidant and numbing symptoms, which can include diminished emotions and avoidance of situations that serve as reminders of the traumatic event. Hyperarousal is another symptom, characterized by increased irritability, exaggerated startle reactions, and difficulties with sleeping or concentrating.

This term is intended to be used when no additional information is available. If possible, more specific terms should be used.

In everyday care

Most people with this sign do not have a rare disease — it appears in common conditions far more often. These general reference pages cover the same topic:

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: PTSD