ChamberPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) · পোস্ট-ট্রমাটিক স্ট্রেস ডিসঅর্ডার (পিটিএসডি)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a frightening or deeply distressing event. It causes symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and feeling constantly on edge. With therapy and support, most people improve and recover.
What is PTSD?
PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, disaster, serious illness or loss. While many people feel shaken for a while after trauma, in PTSD the distressing symptoms continue for more than a month and interfere with daily life.
Symptoms
PTSD symptoms usually fall into a few groups:
- Reliving the trauma — flashbacks, nightmares and distressing memories
- Avoiding reminders, places, people or talking about what happened
- Negative changes in mood and thinking, feeling numb or detached
- Being easily startled, irritable, on edge, or having trouble sleeping
Causes and risk factors
PTSD is triggered by trauma, but not everyone who experiences trauma develops it. Risk can be higher with very severe or repeated trauma, lack of support afterwards, previous mental health problems, and high ongoing stress. Trauma affects how the brain processes fear and memory.
Diagnosis
A mental health professional diagnoses PTSD through a careful conversation about the traumatic event, the symptoms and how long they have lasted, and their effect on daily life. There is no blood test; diagnosis is based on clinical assessment.
Treatment
Talking therapies are the main treatment, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). A psychiatrist may also prescribe medicine for symptoms such as low mood or anxiety. Treatment is tailored to each person.
Recovery and support
Recovery is very possible. Counselling provides a safe space to process trauma, while self-care such as regular sleep, exercise, relaxation and connecting with trusted people supports healing. Support from family, friends and peer groups makes a real difference.
When to see a doctor
Seek help if distressing symptoms last more than a month, are getting worse, or affect your work, relationships or daily life. Get urgent help if you have thoughts of harming yourself — you deserve support, and effective treatment is available.
Doctors who treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Find and book verified specialists in Bangladesh for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Common medicines prescribed
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone who goes through trauma get PTSD?
No. Many people feel distressed after trauma but recover naturally over a few weeks. PTSD is when symptoms persist beyond a month and interfere with daily life, and it is treatable.
Can PTSD be cured?
Many people recover fully with the right therapy and support, while others learn to manage symptoms well. Early treatment generally leads to better outcomes.
Do I have to take medication for PTSD?
Not necessarily. Talking therapies are the main treatment, and medication is one option a psychiatrist may consider for certain symptoms. The plan is decided with you.
How can I support someone with PTSD?
Be patient, listen without judgement, avoid pushing them to talk before they are ready, and encourage them to seek professional help. Taking care of your own wellbeing matters too.