Possible PTSD Indicators for Warriors or Rescuers

Below is a partial list of symptoms that may indicate the presence of PTSD. An individual need not have all of these to meet the criteria (Segments taken from the DSM V). For a full list see

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/dsm5_criteria_ptsd.asp

1) Symptoms of Re-Experiencing or Re-Living the Traumatic Event

• Bad dreams or nightmares about the event or something similar
• Behaving or feeling as if the event were happening all over again (this is known as having flashbacks)
• Having a lot of emotional feelings when I am reminded of the event
• Having physical sensations when I am reminded of the event (e.g., my heart races or pounds, I sweat, find it hard to breathe, feel faint, feel like I'm going to lose control)

2) Symptoms of Avoiding Reminders of the Traumatic Event

• Avoiding thoughts, conversations, or feelings that remind me about the event
• Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind me of the event
• Having difficulty remembering some important parts of the event

3) Since the Event Happened Have There Been Experiences of

• Since the incident having persistent (often distorted) negative beliefs/expectations of yourself / the world (i.e. “I’m to blame for what happened”...” I could have saved him/her/them”...” The world is always dangerous”)
• Loss of interest in, or just don't do, things that used to be important
• Feeling detached from people; finding it hard to trust people
• Feeling emotionally "numb" and finding it hard to feel connected even with those who are closest to you
• Having a hard time falling or staying asleep
• Feeling irritable and have problems with my anger
• Having a hard time concentrating
• Feeling you may not live very long and feel there's no point in planning for the future
• Feeling jumpy and get startled easily
• Always "on guard"

4) Experience of Medical or Emotional Problems

• Stomach problems
• Intestinal problems
• Weight gain or loss
• Chronic pain (e.g., in the back, neck, pelvic area (in women))
• Problems getting to sleep
• Problems staying asleep
• Headaches
• Skin rashes and other skin problems
• Irritability, a quick temper, and other anger problems
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Lack of energy, chronic fatigue
• Alcoholism and other substance use problems
• Anxiety (panic) attacks

5) PTSD Can Manifest in Distinct Ways With Behaviors Such as

1. Increased sick time
2. Lack of a sense of humor
3. Aversion for doing car stops
4. Conflict avoidant/conflict insight
5. Chronic lack of energy and increase in fatigue
6. Difficulties at work with peers/command staff
7. Difficulties at home with significant other and children
8. Avoidance of places where a critical incident occurred
9. Post Incident changes in personality that are out of character