Common Symptoms of PTSD: Signs, Diagnosis & What to Know

Updated Date:
February 26, 2026

What are the most common symptoms of PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. The primary indicators include intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thinking or mood, and hyperarousal (being easily startled or “on edge”).

According to the DSM-5-TR, these symptoms must persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or functional impairment to be diagnosed as PTSD. While often associated with veterans, PTSD affects millions of civilians, including survivors of accidents, assault, or childhood trauma. Early intervention with trauma-focused therapies is the most effective path toward recovery.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not a sign of mental weakness; it is a biological and psychological response to extraordinary stress. While it is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation, most people recover from the initial “fight-or-flight” response over time.

For those with PTSD, the nervous system remains stuck in a state of high alert. This chronic stress response interferes with the ability to live a normal life. What is PTSD in a clinical sense? It is a condition where the brain’s “alarm system” (the amygdala) becomes hyper-reactive, while the “logical center” (the prefrontal cortex) struggles to signal that the danger has passed.

In my clinical practice, I often remind patients that post traumatic stress disorder symptoms can emerge immediately or may be delayed for months or even years. Understanding the common symptoms of PTSD is the first step toward moving from a state of survival to a state of healing.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of PTSD?

When survivors ask, “What are the common symptoms of PTSD?” they are often looking for validation of their internal experience. While everyone’s journey is unique, researchers have identified five “anchor” symptoms that serve as the primary markers for the disorder.

5 Common Symptoms of PTSD

If you are assessing your mental health or that of a loved one, look for these five frequent signs:

Intrusive Memories: Unwanted, vivid recollections of the trauma that appear without warning.
Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that either replay the event or carry the same emotional weight of terror.
Avoidance: A conscious or unconscious effort to stay away from people, places, or thoughts that trigger memories of the event.
Hypervigilance: A constant state of being “on guard,” frequently scanning the environment for potential threats.
Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from loved ones or losing interest in activities that were once deeply enjoyed.

What are some common symptoms of PTSD? In almost every case I have treated, patients describe a “fragmentation” of their lives—a feeling that there is a “before” and an “after” the trauma, with the symptoms acting as the barrier between the two.

12 Common Symptoms of PTSD From Childhood Trauma

Trauma that occurs during the developmental years often results in “Complex PTSD” or specific developmental adaptations. 12 common symptoms of PTSD from childhood often include:

Chronic feelings of shame or “being broken.”
Difficulty forming secure attachments in adulthood.
Dissociation (feeling like you are “leaving your body” during stress).
Emotional dysregulation (difficulty calming down once upset).
Somatic symptoms (chronic stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause).
Chronic hypervigilance regarding people’s facial expressions.
Lack of a cohesive “sense of self.”
Self-harming behaviors.
Distrust of authority figures.
“Fawning” (people-pleasing to avoid conflict).
Intense fear of abandonment.
Memory gaps throughout childhood.

Common Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans

The veteran experience often involves “moral injury” and combat-related triggers. Common symptoms of PTSD in veterans are frequently tied to the transition back to civilian life.

I once interviewed a veteran, “Robert,” who struggled with the “be aware of the common symptoms of PTSD” campaign. He didn’t feel “sad”; he felt angry. He found himself scanning the overpasses while driving on the freeway, a habit from his time in a convoy. His symptoms included survivor’s guilt and an inability to tolerate “small talk,” which felt meaningless compared to his experiences. Other signs include an overlap with traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms, such as dizziness or light sensitivity.

The Complete PTSD Symptom List

To provide a complete list of PTSD symptoms, clinicians refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). This framework organizes the 17 symptoms of PTSD into four distinct clusters. Understanding these clusters helps explain why PTSD feels like it is attacking both the mind and the body simultaneously.

1. Intrusion Symptoms

These symptoms involve the trauma “intruding” upon the present moment. It isn’t just a memory; it is an experience.

Flashbacks: Feeling as if the traumatic event is happening again.
Distressing Dreams: Recurrent nightmares related to the event.
Emotional Distress: Intense reactions to “triggers” (internal or external cues).
Physical Reactions: Sweating, heart racing, or shaking when reminded of the trauma.

2. Avoidance Symptoms

Avoidance is the brain’s way of trying to protect itself from further pain.

Avoiding Thoughts/Feelings: Trying to push down or “numb” the internal experience of the trauma.
Avoiding External Reminders: Staying away from specific locations, smells, or conversations that might spark a memory.

3. Negative Mood & Cognition Changes

This cluster explains the “emotional weight” of the disorder.

Inability to Remember: Forgetting key aspects of the traumatic event.
Negative Beliefs: Thinking “I am bad” or “The world is entirely dangerous.”
Distorted Blame: Feeling excessive guilt or blaming yourself for what happened.
Persistent Negative Emotions: Chronic fear, anger, guilt, or shame.
Feeling Detached: A sense of being an outsider in your own life or relationships.

4. Arousal & Reactivity Symptoms

These reflect a nervous system that is “wound too tight.”

Irritability and Anger: Sudden outbursts or “road rage” over minor inconveniences.
Self-Destructive Behavior: Reckless driving or substance misuse.
Exaggerated Startle Response: Jumping at loud noises or being easily “spooked.”
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to a sense of needing to stay awake for safety.

Signs That Someone Has PTSD

If you are observing a friend or family member, it can be hard to know what is “just stress” and what is a deeper issue. Here are 10 signs of PTSD to look for:

They are suddenly “jumpy” or easily startled.
They have become uncharacteristically irritable or aggressive.
They avoid large crowds or seating where their back is to a door.
They have stopped attending social gatherings they once loved.
They seem “checked out” or emotionally distant during conversations.
They have significant trouble sleeping or seem chronically fatigued.
They have sudden, intense emotional reactions to specific smells or sounds.
They are using alcohol or substances to “relax” more than usual.
They express a sense of “foreshortened future” (not expecting to live long).
They carry a high level of physical tension in their shoulders and jaw.

What Does PTSD Feel Like?

To the person living with it, what does PTSD feel like? It is often described as living in a world where the volume is turned up too loud. The feelings of someone with PTSD are dominated by a lack of safety.

Even in a safe living room, the body might feel like it is in a combat zone. There is a “numbness” to joy, but an “electrification” to fear. It feels like a movie of your worst day is constantly playing in the background tab of your brain, draining your battery and making it impossible to focus on the present.

Physical Symptoms of PTSD

While PTSD is classified as a mental health disorder, its impact on the body is profound. The constant flood of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can lead to a variety of “weird” symptoms of PTSD that patients often don’t realize are connected to their trauma.

The physical symptoms of PTSD frequently include:

Chronic Pain: Many survivors suffer from unexplained back, neck, or joint pain.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, cramping, and “butterflies” are common due to the gut-brain axis being in constant distress.
Headaches: Frequent tension headaches or migraines triggered by a tight jaw and neck.
Startle Response: A physical “jolt” throughout the body at sudden noises or movements.

In my practice, I have seen a high overlap between trauma and localized tension. For example, some may experience common arm tendinitis signs and symptoms purely from the physical bracing and “clutched” posture associated with hypervigilance. The body literally holds the stress that the mind cannot process.

Symptoms of PTSD in Women vs Men

Biological and social factors influence how trauma is expressed. While the core criteria remain the same, research shows distinct patterns in symptoms of PTSD in women compared to men.

In Women: Women are statistically more likely to experience PTSD, often following interpersonal violence. They frequently report higher rates of dissociation (feeling “spaced out” or disconnected) and a stronger overlap with depression and anxiety. Women also tend to exhibit more internalizing symptoms, such as deep-seated guilt or self-blame.

In Men: Symptoms of PTSD are more likely to manifest as externalizing behaviors. This includes higher levels of irritability, “explosive” anger, and risk-taking behaviors. Men are also more prone to using substance misuse as a primary coping mechanism to “quiet” the intrusive thoughts.

How Do I Know If I Have PTSD?

The journey to recovery begins with the question: “How do I know if I have PTSD?” It is important to distinguish between “normal” post-traumatic stress and the clinical disorder.

Clinicians use the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist) as a self-screening tool to measure the severity of symptoms. However, the diagnostic threshold requires that these symptoms of being depressed or traumatized must last for more than one month and significantly interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or care for yourself. If you are constantly scanning the room for exits or find yourself reliving a moment from five years ago as if it were today, it is a strong sign that your brain needs professional help to move the memory from “active” to “archived.”

How Is PTSD Diagnosed?

A formal diagnosis is not something you can get from an online quiz; how PTSD is diagnosed involves a thorough clinical interview with a licensed mental health professional.

The clinician will evaluate you against the DSM criteria, ensuring that you have at least one intrusion symptom, one avoidance symptom, two cognition/mood symptoms, and two arousal symptoms. We also work to rule out other medical issues, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or substance-induced disorders, which can mimic trauma symptoms. The goal is to create a “clinical picture” that justifies a specific path for treatment.

VA Disability & PTSD (Veteran Content)

For those who served, a diagnosis is often the first step in filing a claim. Understanding what different VA PTSD disability ratings mean is crucial for securing the benefits you earned.

How VA Rates PTSD

The VA rates PTSD on a scale of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. These ratings are not based on the “intensity” of the trauma itself, but on the level of “social and occupational impairment” the symptoms cause.

30% Rating: May include occasional forgetfulness or periods of anxiety.
70% Rating: Often involves “deficiencies in most areas,” such as an inability to stay employed or suicidal ideation.
100% Rating: Total social and occupational impairment.

Average PTSD Claim Rating and Legal Help

While the average PTSD claim rating from the VA often falls between 50% and 70%, every case is unique. Many veterans ask, “Do you need an accredited VA claims lawyer for PTSD claims?” While not strictly required for an initial claim, an accredited representative or attorney can be invaluable during the appeals process if your claim is denied or under-rated. Always ensure your representative is VA-accredited to avoid “claim sharks” who charge illegal fees.

Treatment Options for PTSD

The most important thing to know about the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder is that they are treatable. We no longer believe that you simply have to “live with it.”

Trauma-Focused CBT: Helps you challenge the negative beliefs (like “the world is dangerous”) that took root after the trauma.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A unique therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain “process” and file away traumatic memories.
Prolonged Exposure (PE): Gradually helps you re-enter situations you’ve been avoiding so they no longer hold power over you.
Medication: SSRIs and SNRIs can help manage the “baseline” of anxiety and depression, making it easier to engage in talk therapy.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your symptoms have progressed to the point of “crisis,” do not wait for a scheduled appointment. If you are experiencing severe dissociation (losing time), having thoughts of self-harm, or feeling that you can no longer control your anger, please reach out for help immediately.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 5 common symptoms of PTSD?

The five most frequent symptoms are intrusive memories/flashbacks, recurring nightmares, avoidance of triggers, chronic hypervigilance (being on guard), and emotional numbness or detachment from others.

What are the 17 symptoms of PTSD?

The 17 symptoms are organized into four categories: Intrusion (flashbacks, dreams), Avoidance (of thoughts/places), Negative Changes in Mood (guilt, memory loss), and Arousal (startle response, sleep issues, irritability).

What does PTSD feel like?

PTSD often feels like being “stuck” in the past. Your body reacts to the present as if the danger is still happening, leading to a constant state of exhaustion, anxiety, and a feeling that you can never truly relax.

What is the average VA PTSD rating?

While there is no “guaranteed” rating, many veterans receive a rating between 50% and 70% if their symptoms significantly impact their ability to work and maintain a stable social life.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

PTSD is diagnosed through a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will use the DSM-5-TR criteria to see if your symptoms meet the specific thresholds for duration and severity.

Conclusion

Identifying the common symptoms of PTSD is an act of courage. Whether you are a veteran navigating the complexities of a VA claim or a civilian survivor trying to make sense of your physical tension and intrusive thoughts, understanding the “why” behind your symptoms is the first step toward reclaiming your future.

PTSD is a biological injury to the nervous system, but the brain is remarkably resilient. With the right therapeutic support—whether through EMDR, CBT, or medication—the “volume” of your trauma can be turned down, allowing you to live a life defined by your choices rather than your past. If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, please reach out to a professional. You don’t have to carry the weight of the past alone.