PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats PTSD?
A psychiatrist, a doctor who treats mental health conditions, or a psychologist, a mental health professional who gives talk therapy, usually treats PTSD. A clinical social worker can help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Most people recover from their symptoms over time. People who keep having symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are no longer in danger.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later. There are four types of symptoms:
- Re-experiencing: flashbacks, which mean reliving the event, with a racing heart or sweating.
- Avoidance: staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience, or avoiding thoughts or feelings about the event.
- Arousal and reactivity: being easily startled, feeling tense or on edge, or having trouble sleeping.
- Cognition and mood: negative thoughts about yourself or the world. Cognition means thinking.
In children younger than age 6, symptoms can include wetting the bed after learning to use the toilet.
Causes and who gets it
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes combat veterans. It also includes people who have lived through or seen an assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or a terror attack. Sometimes, learning that a relative or close friend experienced trauma can cause PTSD. About 6 of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime. Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD.
Not everyone who lives through a dangerous event develops PTSD. Risk factors include:
- Earlier traumatic experiences, especially in childhood.
- Having little or no support from others after the event.
- A personal or family history of mental illness or drug or alcohol use.
Certain parts of the traumatic event and biological factors, such as genes, may make some people more likely to develop PTSD.
How doctors diagnose it
Only a mental health provider can diagnose PTSD. The provider will do a mental health screening. They may also do a physical exam. An adult must have symptoms for at least 1 month. They must be bad enough to disrupt daily life, such as relationships or work. The symptoms must not be caused by medicine, substance use, or another illness.
Treatment
The main treatments are talk therapy, medicines, or both. Talk therapy is also called psychotherapy. For many people, treatment can get rid of symptoms altogether. Others have fewer symptoms.
Some talk therapies that focus on the trauma are the most highly recommended treatments. The three most effective types are:
- Cognitive processing therapy, where you learn how trauma changed your thoughts and feelings.
- Prolonged exposure, where you slowly face memories, feelings, and situations that you have been avoiding.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), where you work through the memory of your trauma while paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound.
Treatment can be one on one or in a group. It usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks but can last longer. The FDA has approved two SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, for PTSD. Other medicines may help with certain symptoms, such as sleep problems and nightmares. Work with your health care provider to find the best medicine and the right dose. Read the latest medication warnings and patient medication guides on the FDA website.
When to see a doctor
After a traumatic event, it is normal to think, act, and feel differently than usual. Talk to a doctor or mental health provider if your symptoms last longer than a month. Also do so if they are very upsetting or disrupt your daily life. People who have PTSD may also have suicidal thoughts. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can listen to your concerns and check for other health problems. They can help you find a mental health professional who treats PTSD.
Common questions
Can children get PTSD?
Yes. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. Children and teens can have strong reactions to trauma. Their symptoms may differ from those seen in adults.
Does PTSD go away?
It can get better. For many people, treatment can get rid of symptoms altogether, while others have fewer or less intense symptoms. Although some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last for 1 year or longer.
Do you have to be in danger to get PTSD?
No. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Sometimes, learning that a relative or close friend experienced trauma can cause PTSD.
Is talk therapy or medicine better for PTSD?
It depends on the person. PTSD affects people differently, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. The main treatments are talk therapy, medicines, or both.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- National Center for PTSD - PTSD Basics
- MedlinePlus - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
