Research digest — not medical advice. Full disclaimer · How we rate evidence
PTSD
Traumatic reaction with intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal
Overview
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms can last for months or years and significantly impair daily functioning.
First Steps
- 1Ensure immediate physical safety — leave the traumatic situation if ongoing.
- 2Find a trauma-informed therapist who explicitly lists trauma as a specialty.
- 3Learn grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise) to manage acute flashbacks.
Symptoms
Intrusive memories
commonFlashbacks, nightmares, distressing recollections
Avoidance
commonActively avoiding trauma reminders
Negative mood changes
commonPersistent negative beliefs, emotional numbing
Hyperarousal
commonAlways on guard, startle easily, difficulty sleeping
Interventions & Treatments
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Most evidence-backed optionEvidence-based trauma therapy using bilateral stimulation.
How it works
Uses bilateral eye movements (or taps/sounds) while recalling traumatic memories to reduce their emotional charge over 6-12 sessions.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Most evidence-backed optionCBT adapted for trauma, including prolonged exposure and cognitive processing.
How it works
Gradually exposes the patient to trauma memories in a controlled way, pairing this with cognitive restructuring of related beliefs (safety, trust, self-worth).
Medication
Most evidence-backed optionSSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) and prazosin for nightmares.
How it works
SSRIs are first-line and treat the core symptoms. Prazosin, an alpha-1 blocker, specifically targets trauma-related nightmares.
Research cited
- [1]NICE Guideline NG116: Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence(2018)medical guideline
- [2]APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSDAmerican Psychological Association(2017)medical guideline
- [3]Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments of PTSD: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-AnalysisCoventry PA et al.(2021)review
Sidebar
Medical Disclaimer
This is a research summary, not medical advice. Body Signals is an independent research digest — it summarises published research for informational purposes and is not a healthcare provider. Mental health care works best with a qualified provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Canada and US). For text-only crisis support: text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line, US) or CONNECT to 686868 (Kids Help Phone, Canada). Canadian LGBTQ+ youth can reach LGBT Youth Line 1-800-268-9688 or Trans Lifeline 1-877-330-6366; US LGBTQ+ youth can reach the Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386. In an emergency, call 911. Evidence ratings for mental health interventions default to B (standard clinical treatments with established research); individual response varies.
See a provider
Therapist
Compare provider typesLooking for mental health support?
Connecting with a licensed therapist or counsellor is often the most effective first step for managing mental health conditions.
Find a therapist near you