Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
A psychiatrist (a doctor who treats mental health conditions), a psychologist, or a therapist usually treats PTSD, which is post-traumatic stress disorder. 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 post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder. It can occur after you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation, and most people recover over time. People who keep having symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD. People with PTSD may feel stressed or afraid, even when they are no longer in danger.
Symptoms
There are 4 types of PTSD symptoms. Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later.
- Reliving the event, such as flashbacks, upsetting memories, and nightmares.
- Avoidance, such as staying away from places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the event.
- Hyperarousal, which means feeling on edge, such as being easily startled or having trouble sleeping.
- Negative thoughts and mood, such as constant guilt, blaming others, or losing interest in activities.
Children younger than age 6 may show different signs. These can include wetting the bed after having learned to use the toilet, or forgetting how to talk. They may also act out the scary event during playtime.
Causes and who gets it
Providers do not know why trauma leads to PTSD in some people and not in others. Your genes, emotions, and family setting may all play roles. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. It can follow events such as assault, car accidents, natural disasters, or war. About 6 of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives, according to the National Center for PTSD. Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD.
Past trauma, especially in childhood, can raise the risk of PTSD. So can having little or no social support after the event.
How doctors diagnose it
A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can tell if symptoms fit PTSD. PTSD is diagnosed when you have had symptoms for at least 30 days. The symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with parts of daily life, such as relationships or work. Your provider may also do a mental health exam, a physical exam, and blood tests. These look for other illnesses that are similar to PTSD.
Treatment
Treatment for PTSD involves talk therapy (counseling), medicines, or both.
Talk therapy usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks, but it can last longer. A common type of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which can include exposure therapy. Exposure therapy helps people manage fear by safely facing the trauma step by step.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two SSRIs to treat PTSD. SSRIs are a type of antidepressant. Some medicines may help with specific symptoms, such as sleep problems and nightmares. Do not stop taking them or change the amount you take without talking to your provider. Ask your provider about possible side effects.
Support groups can be a helpful addition, but they are usually not a good substitute for talk therapy or taking medicine.
When to see a doctor
If your symptoms do not improve soon or are making you very upset, contact your provider. Seek help right away if you feel overwhelmed or have other very upsetting symptoms of PTSD. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you are thinking of hurting yourself or anyone else, or you are unable to control your behavior. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away.
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. Either kind of doctor can listen to your concerns, check for other health problems, and help you find a mental health professional. They can also follow up with you over time.
Common questions
Can PTSD be treated?
Yes, PTSD can be treated. Treatment can include talk therapy, medicines, or both.
Can PTSD start long after the event?
Yes, it sometimes can. Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later.
Does everyone who goes through trauma get PTSD?
No, not everyone who lives through a dangerous event develops PTSD. Many factors play a part, and some are present before the trauma.
Can children get PTSD?
Yes, anyone can develop PTSD at any age. Children and teens can have extreme reactions to traumatic events, but their symptoms may not be the same as those seen in adults.
How long does PTSD last?
It depends, because the course of the disorder varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last for 1 year or longer.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Post-traumatic stress disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health - 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.
