Home › Guide to disorders › Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It can appear after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (an accident, assault, abuse, a violent loss). The experience stays "stuck" and is relived again and again.
Common signs
- Intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoiding related places, people or thoughts
- Hypervigilance and being easily startled
- Guilt, shame or emotional disconnection
- Sleep and concentration problems
Having some of these signs doesn't mean you have the disorder: only a professional can make a diagnosis.
Why does it happen?
It depends on how severe the event was, prior vulnerability and the support received afterwards.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical assessment and specific scales for post-traumatic symptoms.
Treatment
Trauma-focused therapies, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, in a safe setting and at your own pace.
Want some guidance? Take the Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) test: free, 2-3 minutes.
We're here for you at Clínica Vivaldi
Registered psychologists at Calle Chiva 25 (Valencia) and online across Spain. First appointment with no waiting list; we work with psychiatry and nutrition when needed.
Educational content based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment. Reviewed by the Clínica Vivaldi team, November 2026.