Patient Education: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after living through or witnessing a very scary, dangerous, or stressful event. These events may include war, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss of a loved one. PTSD can cause strong feelings and reactions that continue long after the event is over.

Causes of PTSD

• Traumatic experiences – Abuse, violence, serious injury, car accidents, war, or disasters.
  
  

• History of trauma – Having many stressful events over time.
  
  

• Brain and body response – The brain stays in “danger mode” even when the threat is gone.
  
  

• Other factors – Family history of mental illness, lack of support after trauma, or drug/alcohol use.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Re-experiencing (reliving the event):

• Flashbacks (feeling like the event is happening again)
  
  

• Nightmares
  
  

• Strong reactions to reminders of the trauma
  
  

Avoidance:

• Staying away from people, places, or things that bring up memories
  
  

• Not talking about the event
  
  

Thoughts and Mood Changes:

• Feeling numb or detached from others
  
  

• Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
  
  

• Guilt, shame, or hopelessness
  
  

Arousal and Reactivity (being “on edge”):

• Being easily startled
  
  

• Trouble sleeping
  
  

• Angry outbursts or irritability
  
  

• Trouble concentrating
  
  

Possible Complications if Not Treated

• Anxiety or depression
  
  

• Problems at work, school, or in relationships
  
  

• Alcohol or drug abuse
  
  

• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
  
  

Treatment Options

PTSD can be treated with professional care.

• Therapy – Talking with a counselor about the trauma in a safe way helps reduce symptoms.
  
  

• Medicines – Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines may be prescribed.
  
  

• Group support – Talking with others who have gone through similar experiences.
  
  

• Healthy lifestyle – Exercise, sleep routines, and stress reduction techniques.
  
  

In-Home Care / What You Can Do

• Take medicine exactly as ordered – Do not stop without the doctor’s advice.
  
  

• Practice relaxation – Deep breathing, meditation, or calming activities.
  
  

• Stay connected – Talk to supportive family or friends.
  
  

• Avoid triggers if possible – Stay away from drugs, alcohol, or unsafe environments.
  
  

• Keep follow-up appointments with doctors and counselors.
  
  

Medication Safety and Lab Tests

• Some PTSD medications may need regular lab tests to check safety.
  
  

• Report side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, or changes in mood.
  
  

• Never change your dose without talking to your doctor.
  
  

When to Call the Home Health Nurse

Call the nurse if:

• You notice worsening anxiety, depression, or nightmares
  
  

• You are not sleeping or eating normally
  
  

• You have side effects from medicine
  
  

• You struggle with daily routines
  
  

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Call right away if:

• You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others
  
  

• You have a plan or attempt to act on suicidal thoughts
  
  

• You are unable to control violent or dangerous behavior
  
  

• You are confused, unsafe, or having hallucinations
  
  

True/False Questions

Write True or False before each number:

1. ___ PTSD can happen after a very stressful or scary event.
   
   

2. ___ Only soldiers can get PTSD.
   
   

3. ___ Nightmares and flashbacks are symptoms of PTSD.
   
   

4. ___ Avoiding reminders of the trauma is a common symptom.
   
   

5. ___ PTSD can cause mood changes, such as guilt or hopelessness.
   
   

6. ___ Being easily startled or angry is part of PTSD symptoms.
   
   

7. ___ Without treatment, PTSD may lead to depression or drug use.
   
   

8. ___ PTSD cannot be treated.
   
   

9. ___ Therapy and medications are common treatments for PTSD.
   
   

10. ___ Relaxation and stress reduction at home can help symptoms.
    
    

11. ___ It is safe to stop medicine suddenly if you feel better.
    
    

12. ___ Staying connected with supportive people can be helpful.
    
    

13. ___ PTSD can affect relationships, work, or school.
    
    

14. ___ Some PTSD medicines may need lab tests for safety.
    
    

15. ___ Skipping doses or doubling medicine is safe if you forget.
    
    

16. ___ Call the nurse if nightmares or anxiety are getting worse.
    
    

17. ___ Drinking alcohol is a healthy way to cope with PTSD.
    
    

18. ___ Suicidal thoughts require emergency help right away.
    
    

19. ___ PTSD can be managed with the right treatment and support.
    
    

20. ___ Hallucinations or violent behavior are reasons to go to the ER.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

1. What is one event or trigger that makes your PTSD symptoms worse?
   
   

2. What are two coping skills you can use at home to calm yourself?
   
   

3. Who would you call if you began to have suicidal thoughts?
   
   

4. What does taking your medicine regularly mean to you?
   
   

5. How can your family or caregiver best support you?
   
   

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – PTSD happens after trauma.
   
   

2. False – Anyone can get PTSD, not just soldiers.
   
   

3. True – Nightmares and flashbacks are common symptoms.
   
   

4. True – Avoidance is part of PTSD.
   
   

5. True – PTSD often affects mood and thoughts.
   
   

6. True – Being on edge is a symptom.
   
   

7. True – Without care, PTSD may lead to other problems.
   
   

8. False – PTSD can be treated.
   
   

9. True – Therapy and medicine are effective.
   
   

10. True – Relaxation helps manage stress.
    
    

11. False – Never stop medicine without doctor’s advice.
    
    

12. True – Support from others helps recovery.
    
    

13. True – PTSD can affect daily life.
    
    

14. True – Some medicines require blood tests.
    
    

15. False – Changing doses without advice is unsafe.
    
    

16. True – Worsening symptoms should be reported to the nurse.
    
    

17. False – Alcohol makes PTSD worse.
    
    

18. True – Suicidal thoughts are an emergency.
    
    

19. True – With care, PTSD can be managed.
    
    

20. True – Dangerous or unsafe behavior needs emergency help.