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Which symptoms may occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event?
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mental disorder
A discussion of the advances made in psychiatric research and treatment.
Following a traumatic eventāparticularly one involving threatened death, serious injury, or violenceāindividuals may experience a range of intense emotional and psychological reactions. These symptoms are often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if they persist for more than one month or have a delayed onset.1
Common symptoms include:
- Reexperiencing the trauma: This may occur through distressing thoughts, memories, or flashbacks where the event is relived with full emotional intensity.1
- Avoidance: Individuals often actively avoid reminders of the trauma, including specific situations, feelings, or thoughts.1
- Emotional and physiological changes: Many report a general sense of emotional numbness, increased anxiety, and heightened vigilance.1
- Associated conditions: Traumatic stress can also lead to other psychological challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and drug abuse.1
It is important to recognize that experiencing these reactions immediately following a trauma is a normal response. However, when these symptoms become chronic, they reflect significant changes in brain activity that can hinder the processing of fear and emotional regulation.1