Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Symptoms may start after the event and they may come and go over time.
PTSD is slightly more common among Veterans than civilians. At some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 Veterans (or 7%) will have PTSD. In the general population, 6 out of every 100 adults (or 6%) will have PTSD in their lifetime. PTSD is also more common among female Veterans (13 out of 100, or 13%) versus male Veterans (6 out of 100, or 6%). We are learning more about transgender Veterans and those who do not identify as male or female (non-binary).
The number of Veterans with PTSD varies by service era and symptoms do not always present themselves in a typical manner.
Need Immediate Assistance? Connect with the Veteran’s Crisis Line
If you are in need of immediate assistance or are supporting a Veteran in crisis, connect with the Veterans Crisis Line:
- By phone: Dial 988, then press 1
- Via online chat
- By text: Text 838255
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24/7. Enrollment in VA benefits or health care is not required. If you or someone you are supporting is in immediate danger, dial 911 immediately.
How May a Veteran Develop PTSD?
Research shows that deployment increases risk of PTSD. In some studies, PTSD is 3 times more likely among Veterans who deployed compared to those who did not (of the same service era). Some factors in a combat situation may contribute to PTSD and other mental health problems, including military occupation or specialty, the politics around the war, where the war is fought, and the type of enemy faced.
Another cause of PTSD in the military can be military sexual trauma (MST). This is any sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurs while you are in the military. MST can happen to anyone and can occur during peacetime, training or war. Learn more about specific issues and resources related to MST here: Military Sexual Trauma – PTSD: National Center for PTSD.
Veterans with PTSD have lived through a traumatic event. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD. Some examples of traumatic events may include:
- Combat or military exposure
- Terrorist attacks
- Sexual or physical assault
- Serious accidents
- Natural disasters
After the event, the Veteran may feel scared, confused, or angry. If these feelings don’t go away or they get worse, the symptoms may disrupt the person’s life, making it hard to continue daily activities.
Most Veterans who go through a traumatic event have some symptoms at the beginning. Yet only some will develop PTSD; the reason for this is not clear. How likely someone is to develop PTSD may depend on:
- How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted
- If someone close was lost hurt
- Proximity to the event
- Strength of the reaction to the event
- How much the Veteran felt in control of events
- How much help and support the Veteran got after the event
Symptoms of Veterans Suffering from PTSD
PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not occur until months or years later. These are some ways PTSD symptoms can manifest:
Veterans May Relive the Event (also called re-experiencing symptoms)
Bad memories of the traumatic event can return at any time. The Veteran may feel the same fear and horror as when the event took place. He/she may have nightmares or may feel like he/she is going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger — a sound or sight that causes the Veteran to relive the event. Triggers might include:
- Hearing a car backfire, which can bring back memories of gunfire and war for a combat Veteran.
- Seeing a car accident, which can remind a crash survivor of his or her own accident
- Seeing a news report of a sexual assault, which may bring back memories of assault for a person who was raped
Veterans May Avoid Situations that Are Reminders of the Event
The Veteran may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event, and even avoid talking or thinking about the event.
Veterans May Express Feeling Numb
The Veteran may find it hard to express feelings. This is another way to avoid memories. They may not:
- have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships
- be interested in previously enjoyed activities
- be able to remember parts of the traumatic event or be able to talk about them
Other Common Problems Veterans with PTSD May Experience
- Sudden anger or irritation
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Alcohol use or substance dependence
- Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair
- Difficulty obtaining or maintaining employment
- Relationship problems, including divorce and violence
Supporting Veterans with PTSD
Veterans have resources and options for PTSD treatment and services to address other mental health needs. Including:
- VA PTSD Care
All Veterans enrolled in VA care have options for PTSD treatment. Learn about specialty PTSD care, residential rehabilitation treatment programs, and other services. - Care for LGBTQ+ Veterans
Explore PTSD care and support services tailored for LGBTQ+ Veterans. - Care for Women Veterans
Learn about Women Veterans Health Care and programs available for PTSD treatment. - Vet Centers
Vet Centers are community-based centers (often staffed by Veterans) focused on counseling and services to help with the transition from military to civilian life or after military trauma. - VA Benefits and Claims
Get information about VA benefits, eligibility, and the application process. - VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment
VA residential rehabilitation treatment care provides comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services to Veterans with mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorder.
VA’s PTSD Consultation Program: For Providers Who Treat Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder’s PTSD Consultation Program offers free expert consultation, education, and resources to VA and non-VA (community-based) providers treating Veterans.
The PTSD Consultation Program’s consultants include expert clinicians from a variety of disciplines with experience leading PTSD treatment programs and consulting on PTSD cases. These consultants are prepared to consult on just about anything related to Veterans experiencing trauma. No question is too big or too small!
Connect with PTSD Consultation Program
Providers can contact consultants from the PTSD Consultation Program by phone or via email. Most requests receive a response the same day!
- By phone: 866-948-7880
- Via email: PTSDconsult@va.gov
Not sure what to ask? Check out these questions:
- What are treatment recommendations for older adults with PTSD?
- How do I know if my client has PTSD?
- How should racial trauma be treated?
- How can we educate non-clinical staff about PTSD?
- Do you have handouts for family members in other languages?
Learn more about additional resources offered by the PTSD Consultation Program including continuing education, monthly newsletters, and resources on the program’s website.
