PTSD myths

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder. Many people believe things about mental health disorders that aren't true. Here are some myths about PTSD.

Myth: PTSD is in your head. It does not exist.

PTSD does exist. It is a recognized mental health problem that has been studied for many years. You may get PTSD if you have lived through a traumatic event that caused you to fear for your life, see horrible things, and feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD.¹

PTSD has not always had the same name. It also has been called combat fatigue or shell shock.

Myth: Only soldiers or people in war zones get PTSD.

Anyone who sees or goes through a traumatic event can develop PTSD. A traumatic event is a horrible and scary experience. During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You feel that you have no control over what is happening. These events include violent crimes, sexual assaults, and natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Your job also could expose you to traumatic events. First responders at a traumatic event, such as firefighters and police, can develop PTSD.

In men, PTSD is most likely after rape, combat, childhood neglect, or childhood physical abuse.² In women, it is most likely after rape, sexual molestation, physical attack, threats with a weapon, or childhood physical abuse.²

Myth: You should be able to move on after a traumatic event.

The strong emotions you may feel during the traumatic event can create changes in your brain that result in PTSD.¹ You may not be able to "move on" because of this. It's important to remember that PTSD is a medical condition. People with other health conditions, such as cancer, deal with the condition as best they can. The same is true for PTSD.

Myth: PTSD always happens right after the traumatic event.

PTSD symptoms can develop at any time after a traumatic event. Your symptoms may start soon after the event, or you may not have them until months or years later. They may come and go over many years.

Myth: People with PTSD cannot function.

PTSD can cause severe symptoms, but counseling, medicines, and support all help people adjust. People with PTSD have jobs and relationships. They enjoy life and are active members of their communities.

Citations

1. Anxiety disorders (2003). In RE Hales, ST Yudofsky, eds., Textbook of Clinical Psychiatry, 4th ed., pp. 595–630. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

2. Kessler RC, et al. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12): 1048–1060.