Physical Symptoms of PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder, is a disorder that is triggered by a traumatic event. The traumatic event is one that induces helplessness, intense fear or horror. Many people who experience a traumatic event need time to adjust and cope, and their symptoms diminish over time. For some, though, the traumatic event can be long lasting and life changing, which are indications of PTSD. PSTD can invoke intrusive memories of the traumatic event that triggered the disorder. It can also produce a numbing of feelings or emotions. A person with PSTD might use avoidance as a strategy to avoid thinking about the traumatic event. In addition, PSTD can affect a person with outward physical symptoms.

Anxiety Symptoms

PSTD can create a jittery feeling and a feeling of being in danger. The grinding of teeth can be a result of this jittery feeling. PSTD can cause sleeplessness, resulting in fatigue, baggy eyes and a lack of energy. It can also result in sudden outward signs of anger or irritability. There can be symptoms of elevated blood pressure, difficulty with breathing, an increased heart rate and chest pain.

Trauma Symptoms

People who have PSTD can experience seeing or hearing things that aren't real, an overwhelming feeling of shame or guilt, self-destructive behavior and being easily frightened or startled. PSTD can result in nightmares. There can be physical symptoms of headaches, weakness and muscle tension. Along with the muscle tension, there can be muscle twitches.

Other Physical Symptoms

PSTD can cause irregularities in eating patterns and can cause thirst, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include those that are similar to shock, such as getting chills and feeling numb. Sweating, fainting and vision problems are also possible.