What is PTSD? 
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur after you have been through a trauma. A trauma is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you. During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening.
If you have gone through an event that could have caused injury or death, you can develop PTSD. Examples of these events can include:
- Combat or war exposure
- Child sexual or physical abuse
- Terrorist attacks
- Sexual or physical assault
- Serious accidents, such as a car wreck.
- Natural disasters, such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake.
After the event, you may feel scared, confused, and angry. If these feelings don't go away or if they get worse, you may have PTSD. These symptoms may disrupt your life, making it hard to continue with your daily activities.
For a more information, please see our fact sheet What is PTSD?
What treatments are available for PTSD?
There are many types of treatment for PTSD. You and your doctor will discuss the best treatment for you. You may have to try more than one treatment before you find the best one for you.
Two types of treatment appear to be the most effective for PTSD at this time. They are:
- A type of counseling called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medicines known as SSRIs
Treatment can help you feel more in control of your emotions and result in fewer symptoms. However, even with treatment, you may still have some bad memories.
For more information, please see our fact sheet on Treatment of PTSD.
If I am in crisis what can I do to get help?
If you are in crisis:
- Call 911.
- Go to your nearest Emergency Room.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Spanish/Español 1-888-628-9454.
- Veterans, press "1" after you call.
- Go to Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline website to chat live with a crisis counselor at any time of day or night.
The National Center for PTSD does not provide any direct clinical care. We can provide information, though, to help you locate mental health services in your area. Please see our fact sheet on Finding and Choosing a Therapist.
I am an American Veteran. Whom do I contact for help with PTSD?
You can contact your local VA hospital or Vet Center.
VA also has Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's) around each state. Many of these clinics offer mental health services.
To find a VA medical center, CBOC, or Vet Center near you, use the online VHA Facilities Locator.
Other resources include:
As an American Veteran, how do I file a claim for disability due to PTSD?
You must file a formal request ("claim") using forms provided by the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration. After the forms are submitted, you must complete interviews. Information about the application process can be obtained from Benefits Officers at any VA medical center, outpatient clinic, or regional office.
The process of applying for a VA disability for PTSD can be long and stressful. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide "Service Officers" at no cost to help Veterans and family members with VA disability claims.
For more information, please see our fact sheet Help for Veterans with PTSD.
Do you have brochures, handouts, or videos?
Our website contains many types of information. These materials were created by experts on PTSD and trauma: We have:
- Fact sheets
- Handouts
- Award-winning educational videos
- Online courses
- Manuals
- Guides
The resources are intended for Veterans, families, mental health care providers, other health care providers, and researchers. We cover topics such as war, natural disaster, terrorism, assault, and abuse.
Any material on our website is in the public domain. That means it is free for you to use, copy, and give out as needed.
How do I locate books on PTSD?
You can contact your local library for readings on trauma or PTSD.
Also, you can use our PILOTS database. PILOTS stands for Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress. PILOTS is an electronic index of articles and books related to trauma. You can search PILOTS for references to these publications. PILOTS also includes links to full-text articles by National Center for PTSD staff.
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