Field Guide · Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
After a trauma, the memory keeps intruding and the body stays on guard.
ICD-10-CM F43.10What it looks like
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Avoiding reminders
- Jumpy, numb, or both
- Using substances to quiet it
What helps
Trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR, prolonged exposure or CPT. Medication can help symptoms.
What it is not
It is not a character flaw, a lack of willpower, or something you can think your way out of alone. It is a recognized health condition, and it is treatable.
Clinical view
Classified under “Trauma- and stressor-related disorders” (ICD-10-CM F43.10). A diagnosis is made by a licensed clinician after a full evaluation of symptoms, their duration, how much they interfere with daily life, and whether a substance or medical condition better explains them.
Typical presentation
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Avoiding reminders
- Jumpy, numb, or both
- Using substances to quiet it
Evidence-based treatment
Trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR, prolonged exposure or CPT. Medication can help symptoms.
When substances are in the picture
Alcohol and drugs can cause, hide or worsen these symptoms, and many people use to quiet them. Good care treats both together. See co-occurring conditions.
Written in plain English for education. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Demo Clinical review by a licensed professional is part of the launch plan and will be named here.
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