Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Non-Military PTSD

Dr. Elizabeth Hoge, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, speaks on behalf of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, about PTSD that affects children as well as men and women who are not in the military. It can occur after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. Rape is the most likely trauma that can end up causing PTSD among men and women. Others include a terrorist attack like 9/11; a natural disaster; serious accidents; personal assault or abuse; or the sudden death of a loved one.

College-Aged Adults Face Less Mental Health Stigma

College-aged adults (age 18–25) have more accepting views of mental health care than other adults, but they still see challenges when it comes to accessing care, according to results of a nationwide poll. The survey was conducted online among more than 2,000 adults, including 198 age 18–25, by Harris Poll on behalf of Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and two partnering organizations.

After a Trauma

After the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Paris, or elsewhere, many people may find themselves struggling with symptoms of anxiety, stress and even posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.


The news of the latest terrorist attacks may trigger anxious thoughts and feelings in those who have experienced or witnessed life-threatening events.

Spread the Word

Help us spread the word about the benefits of treatment for anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, and PTSD — for children and teens, women, men, and all those suffering from related illnesses.

Please tweet, post on Facebook, or add the links to your own website — whatever works to get the word out that you are not alone and help is here!

Sleep Problems and PTSD

Many people have trouble sleeping at times. But it's more likely after you have experienced an accident, war, assault, disaster, or other traumatic event. Trouble sleeping and nightmares are two symptoms of PTSD.

You may find you are sleeping too little, or too much, or having nightmares. If these symptoms don't go away, get worse over time, or interfere with your daily life, it might be time to see a doctor.

Sleep Issues:

  • Sleep disturbances are reported in over 70% of individuals with PTSD. 

Postpartum Depression

Following childbirth, about 10 to15 percent of all women experience postpartum depression, or PPD, which is depression associated with the aftermath of pregnancy. About 30 to 70 percent experience symptoms for one year or even longer. Most women with postpartum depression are diagnosed with minor depression, but 4 to 5 percent meet the criteria for major depression. Read more about depression.