Factsheets: Discussing Trauma and PTSD with Your Doctor

A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet.

By Pamela Swales, Ph.D, and Joe Ruzek, Ph.D.

The experiencing or witnessing of traumatic events can lead to psychological (emotional) problems and to physical problems (in addition to any that occurred at the time of the trauma). These symptoms can last for a relatively short time after the event, can last for months or years, or can "surface" months or even years later.

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop full PTSD. Treatments are also available for those who exhibit only some PTSD symptoms.

You may find it helpful to talk with your primary care physician about your experience(s) and any symptoms you have. Keep in mind that your doctor may not know about the emotional or psychological after-effects of trauma or about the many associated medical problems. You can help your doctor understand you and plan your treatment better by sharing this crucial information about yourself.

At first, individuals may find it hard to discuss their experiences. Because it may be difficult to discuss the trauma and your symptoms, it may be helpful to show your doctor the checklist below.

Brief Checklist of Trauma Symptoms

Check the symptoms below that you experience (that may or may not be related to a traumatic event) and make notes as needed:

I experienced or witnessed a traumatic event during which I felt extreme fear, helplessness, or horror.

The event happened on (day/month/year)_______________.

What happened?________________________________________.

1) I have symptoms of reexperiencing or re-living the traumatic event:

• Bad dreams or nightmares about the event or something similar
• Behaving or feeling as if the event were actually happening all over again (this is known as having flashbacks)
• Having a lot of emotional feelings when I am reminded of the event
• Having a lot of 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) I have 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 part of the event

3) I have noticed that since the event happened:

• I have lost interest in, or just don't do, things that used to be important to me
• I feel detached from people; I find it hard to trust people
• I feel emotionally "numb" and I find it hard to have loving feelings even toward those who are emotionally close to me
• I have a hard time falling or staying asleep
• I am irritable and have problems with my anger
• I have a hard time concentrating
• I think I may not live very long and feel there's no point in planning for the future
• I am jumpy and get startled easily
• I am always "on guard"

4) I experience these medical or emotional problems:

• Stomach problems
• Intestinal problems
• Gynecological problems
• Weight gain or loss
• Chronic pain (e.g., in my 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
• General anxiety
• Anxiety (panic) attacks
• Other symptoms such as: ______________________________

Other questions that you may want to ask your doctor or counselor:

"What do people have to do to recover from PTSD?"

"Why do I have PTSD and other people don't?"

"Does having PTSD mean that I'm crazy or mentally ill?"

"What will happen if I go for treatment?"

"How long will treatment last?"

"What will be the likely effects of treatment?"

"What should I tell my spouse/partner/other family members about PTSD?"

If medication treatment is discussed, you may want to ask some of these questions:

"How is this medication supposed to help me?"

"How will it affect my symptoms?"

"How long will I have to take it?"

"Can I stop it if I don't like it?"

"How will we know if it is working?"

"What will happen if it doesn't work?"

"What are the side effects of the medication?"

"How will it affect the other medications that I'm taking?"

"Why do I need to go for counseling if I'm receiving medication treatment?"

"How will medication treatment fit in with my PTSD counseling?"

"How will medication affect my substance abuse recovery?"

Again, if you think you have PTSD, or even just some of the symptoms, it is important for you to let your primary care physician know. This information is invaluable for planning your medical treatment. It can also help your doctor provide you with appropriate referrals for other services (e.g., to a psychologist, a social worker, child abuse protective services, lab tests, etc.).

You may find it helpful to download and print this and other fact sheets on this website to show your doctor.