Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop following an extremely stressful or threatening event, such as violence, accidents, war experiences, abuse, or natural disasters.

Typically, the traumatic experience continues to have a strong psychological impact long after the event has occurred.
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Typical symptoms
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• recurring distressing memories or flashbacks

• nightmares

• intense psychological or physical reactions to memories of the trauma

• avoidance of thoughts, feelings, or situations that remind the person of the event

• increased tension and jumpiness

• Sleep disturbances

• Difficulty concentrating

• Emotional numbness or withdrawal

The symptoms usually persist over a long period of time and often lead to significant limitations in daily life.

PTSD is classified in the ICD-10 under code F43.1

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Prevalence

Many people experience traumatic events during their lifetime, but only a fraction of them develop PTSD. Depending on the study, the lifetime prevalence is approximately 1–8% of the population.

Treatment
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the assumption that distressing memories, thoughts, and avoidance behaviors contribute to the persistence of symptoms. In particular, avoiding trauma-related triggers often prevents the processing of the experience.

Treatment goals:
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• Gradually process the traumatic experience

• Recognize and question distressing thoughts and feelings of guilt

• Reduce avoidance behaviors

• Improve coping with anxiety, tension, and memories

• Strengthen feelings of safety and control

• Better integrate distressing memories into one’s life story

• Learn strategies for stabilization and stress management

• Prevent relapse