The experiencing or witnessing of traumatic events can lead to
psychological (emotional) problems and to physical problems (in
addition to any that occurred at the time of the trauma). These
symptoms can last for a relatively short time after the event, can
last for months or years, or can "surface" months or even years
later.
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.
Treatments are also available for those who exhibit only some PTSD
symptoms.
You may find it helpful to talk with your primary care physician
about your experience(s) and any symptoms you have. Keep in mind
that your doctor may not know about the emotional or psychological
after-effects of trauma or about the many associated medical
problems. You can help your doctor understand you and plan your
treatment better by sharing this crucial information about
yourself.
At first, individuals may find it hard to discuss their
experiences. Because it may be difficult to discuss the trauma and
your symptoms, it may be helpful to show your doctor the checklist
below.
Brief Checklist of Trauma Symptoms
Check the symptoms below that you experience (that may or may
not be related to a traumatic event) and make notes as needed:
I experienced or witnessed a traumatic event during which I felt
extreme fear, helplessness, or horror.
The event happened on (day/month/year)_______________.
What happened?________________________________________.
1) I have symptoms of reexperiencing or re-living the traumatic
event:
Bad dreams or nightmares about the event or something
similar
Behaving or feeling as if the event were actually happening
all over again (this is known as having flashbacks)
Having a lot of emotional feelings when I am reminded of the
event
Having a lot of physical sensations when I am reminded of the
event (e.g., my heart races or pounds, I sweat, find it hard to
breathe, feel faint, feel like I'm going to lose control)
2) I have symptoms of avoiding reminders of the traumatic
event:
Avoiding thoughts, conversations, or feelings that remind me
about the event
Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind me of the
event
Having difficulty remembering some important part of the
event
3) I have noticed that since the event happened:
I have lost interest in, or just don't do, things that used
to be important to me
I feel detached from people; I find it hard to trust
people
I feel emotionally "numb" and I find it hard to have loving
feelings even toward those who are emotionally close to me
I have a hard time falling or staying asleep
I am irritable and have problems with my anger
I have a hard time concentrating
I think I may not live very long and feel there's no point in
planning for the future
I am jumpy and get startled easily
I am always "on guard"
4) I experience these medical or emotional problems:
Stomach problems
Intestinal problems
Gynecological problems
Weight gain or loss
Chronic pain (e.g., in my back, neck, pelvic area (in
women))
Problems getting to sleep
Problems staying asleep
Headaches
Skin rashes and other skin problems
Irritability, a quick temper, and other anger problems
Nightmares
Depression
Lack of energy, chronic fatigue
Alcoholism and other substance use problems
General anxiety
Anxiety (panic) attacks
Other symptoms such as: ______________________________
Other questions that you may want to ask your doctor or
counselor:
"What do people have to do to recover from PTSD?"
"Why do I have PTSD and other people don't?"
"Does having PTSD mean that I'm crazy or mentally ill?"
"What will happen if I go for treatment?"
"How long will treatment last?"
"What will be the likely effects of treatment?"
"What should I tell my spouse/partner/other family members about
PTSD?"
If medication treatment is discussed, you may want to ask some
of these questions:
"How is this medication supposed to help me?"
"How will it affect my symptoms?"
"How long will I have to take it?"
"Can I stop it if I don't like it?"
"How will we know if it is working?"
"What will happen if it doesn't work?"
"What are the side effects of the medication?"
"How will it affect the other medications that I'm taking?"
"Why do I need to go for counseling if I'm receiving medication
treatment?"
"How will medication treatment fit in with my PTSD
counseling?"
"How will medication affect my substance abuse recovery?"
Again, if you think you have PTSD, or even just some of the
symptoms, it is important for you to let your primary care
physician know. This information is invaluable for planning your
medical treatment. It can also help your doctor provide you with
appropriate referrals for other services (e.g., to a psychologist,
a social worker, child abuse protective services, lab tests,
etc.).
You may find it helpful to download and print this and other
fact sheets on this website to show your doctor.