Caution: This fact sheet provides a general overview of Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders based on the DSM-5 (Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). It is not intended for diagnostic purposes. Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose or provide personalized treatment.
Brief Description:
A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the experience.
Core Symptoms:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Negative changes in thinking and mood (e.g., guilt, shame, detachment)
- Heightened arousal or reactivity (e.g., being easily startled, difficulty sleeping)
Common Onset & Course:
Can develop within months of the traumatic event or even years later; symptoms can be chronic or fluctuate over time.
Causes & Risk Factors:
- Exposure to traumatic events (e.g., assault, combat, accidents, disasters)
- Personal or family history of mental health conditions
- Lack of social support
- High stress or ongoing trauma
Diagnosis Criteria:
Presence of symptoms from each cluster (intrusion, avoidance, negative mood, arousal) for at least one month, causing significant distress or impairment.
Treatment Options:
- Trauma-focused psychotherapy (e.g., CBT, EMDR)
- Medications
- Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques
- Support groups and peer support
What It Feels Like:
People often describe feeling haunted by memories, experiencing nightmares, feeling on edge, or emotionally numb.
Important Facts to Know:
- Not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD
- Effective treatments are available and can greatly improve quality of life
- Early intervention can reduce the risk of chronic PTSD
Resources & Support:
- National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
References & Resources
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Mental Disorders. 5th ed., American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.
- van der Kolk, Bessel A. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking, 2014.
