Quick answer
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can develop after a frightening or dangerous event, when upsetting memories, avoiding reminders, feeling on edge and trouble sleeping last longer than a month and get in the way of life. It's treatable. Trauma-focused therapy has the strongest evidence, and medication can also help. We focus on careful evaluation and medication, and we help you find trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR.
Key takeaways
- It's normal to have strong reactions after a trauma. When they last more than a month and cause problems in your life, it could be PTSD.
- Trauma-focused therapies (CPT, prolonged exposure and EMDR) have the strongest evidence. We help you find them.
- Two medications are FDA-approved for PTSD: sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).
- You won't need to describe the details of your trauma to get medication care.
What PTSD looks like
PTSD can develop after you go through or see a frightening or dangerous event, such as an assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster or combat. Sometimes learning that someone close to you went through a trauma can cause it too. Anyone can develop PTSD, at any age.
After a trauma, it's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge or sleep badly, and most people start to feel better after a few weeks. When these reactions last longer than a month and cause real problems at home, at work or in relationships, it could be PTSD. Symptoms usually start soon after the event, but sometimes they appear months or even years later.
Common signs, in plain language
- Reliving the event: upsetting memories, nightmares, or flashbacks that feel like it's happening again
- Strong reactions to reminders, such as a sound, a smell or a news story
- Avoiding people, places, conversations or thoughts that bring it back
- Feeling numb, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling distant from people
- More negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world, or guilt and shame about what happened
- Feeling on edge: jumpy, easily startled, irritable, or always watching for danger
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
These signs are a general guide, not a checklist for diagnosis.
How it's evaluated
A careful evaluation looks at how the trauma is affecting you now. You won't need to describe the details of what happened. Your provider may ask basic questions, such as what type of trauma it was and when it happened, and you can share more only if and when you want to.
- Which symptoms you have, and how long they've lasted
- How they affect your sleep, work, relationships and daily life
- Conditions that often come with PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks or substance use
- Whether the picture fits complex PTSD or something else
- Your health, medications and goals
This is part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Your first evaluation is up to 90 minutes in length. Some people need more time, some less, and we take the time you need. Follow-up visits are typically 20 to 30 minutes, and extended follow-ups are available.
How we help
PTSD is treatable. The main treatments are talk therapy, medication, or both. The therapies with the strongest evidence are trauma-focused: Therapy that works directly with the memory of the traumatic event or what it means to you.: cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE) and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
Medication. We focus on the medication side of PTSD care. Certain antidepressants can ease PTSD symptoms, and they take a few weeks to start working. We explain each option, start carefully, and adjust based on how you feel and any side effects. We also treat the depression, anxiety and sleep problems that often come with PTSD.
Support in every visit. Visits include supportive therapy, education about how trauma affects the mind and body, sleep habits and practical coping skills. They don't replace trauma-focused therapy.
Trauma-focused therapy. We don't offer EMDR, CPT or prolonged exposure ourselves. We don't offer standalone weekly therapy, but we're happy to help you find a therapist and, with your permission, we'll coordinate with them.
Regular follow-ups. We check in regularly to see how you're doing and adjust carefully. For many people, treatment relieves symptoms completely. Others find their symptoms become fewer or less intense.
Is it this or that?
Is it PTSD or something else?
| A normal stress reaction | PTSD | Complex PTSD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long it lasts | Upsetting memories, feeling on edge or poor sleep that ease within a few weeks. | Symptoms that last longer than a month and cause problems in daily life. | PTSD symptoms that last, plus other long-lasting difficulties. |
| What it looks like | Thinking about the event more and feeling nervous or irritable for a while. | Reliving the event, avoiding reminders, negative thoughts and feelings, and feeling on edge. | PTSD symptoms plus trouble managing emotions, feeling worthless, and feeling distant from others. |
| What helps | Time, rest and support from people you trust. Reach out if it doesn't ease. | Trauma-focused therapy, medication, or both. | The same PTSD treatments work well, and are a good place to start. |
A normal stress reaction
- How long it lasts
- Upsetting memories, feeling on edge or poor sleep that ease within a few weeks.
- What it looks like
- Thinking about the event more and feeling nervous or irritable for a while.
- What helps
- Time, rest and support from people you trust. Reach out if it doesn't ease.
PTSD
- How long it lasts
- Symptoms that last longer than a month and cause problems in daily life.
- What it looks like
- Reliving the event, avoiding reminders, negative thoughts and feelings, and feeling on edge.
- What helps
- Trauma-focused therapy, medication, or both.
Complex PTSD
- How long it lasts
- PTSD symptoms that last, plus other long-lasting difficulties.
- What it looks like
- PTSD symptoms plus trouble managing emotions, feeling worthless, and feeling distant from others.
- What helps
- The same PTSD treatments work well, and are a good place to start.
This comparison is general information, not a diagnosis. Sources: VA National Center for PTSD: PTSD basics · VA National Center for PTSD: Complex PTSD · NIMH: PTSD
Medication quick facts
Medications for PTSD
These are the medications FDA-approved for PTSD. FDA approval reflects which uses a manufacturer chose to study and submit, not the only medications that help. Providers often use other medications off-label when research supports them. Your provider will talk with you about what fits you.
Browse by name. Your provider will talk with you about which options fit you.
Sertraline (Zoloft)
An SSRI antidepressant
- FDA-approved for
- PTSD. Also depression, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and PMDD.
- Good to know
- It can take a few weeks to notice a change. Many people start to feel better in about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Common side effects
- Upset stomach, sweating, headache, dizziness and sexual side effects. Some ease over time.
- Antidepressant warning
- In short-term studies, antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people up to age 24. Anyone taking one should be watched closely for worsening, especially during the first few months and at times of dosage changes. Don't stop suddenly; talk with your provider first.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed): Zoloft · MedlinePlus: Sertraline · VA National Center for PTSD: Medications for PTSD
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Paroxetine (Paxil)
An SSRI antidepressant
- FDA-approved for
- PTSD in adults (Paxil tablets; the extended-release Paxil CR isn't approved for PTSD). Also depression, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and GAD.
- Good to know
- It can take several weeks to feel the full benefit. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your provider; the label advises weighing other options first.
- Antidepressant warning
- In short-term studies, antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people up to age 24. Anyone taking one should be watched closely for worsening, especially during the first few months and at times of dosage changes. Don't stop suddenly; talk with your provider first.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed): Paxil · FDA label (DailyMed): Paxil CR · MedlinePlus: Paroxetine
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
An SNRI antidepressant. Off-label for PTSD.
- FDA-approved for
- Depression, GAD, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. Not FDA-approved for PTSD; used off-label.
- Why it's listed
- The VA National Center for PTSD lists it, with sertraline and paroxetine, as one of the medications with the most evidence for PTSD.
- Important
- It can raise blood pressure, so your provider checks it regularly.
- Antidepressant warning
- In short-term studies, antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people up to age 24. Anyone taking one should be watched closely for worsening, especially during the first few months and at times of dosage changes. Don't stop suddenly; talk with your provider first.
Source: VA/DoD PTSD guideline (2023): recommends paroxetine, sertraline or venlafaxine · Davidson et al., 2006 (randomized trial) · FDA label (DailyMed): Effexor XR · VA National Center for PTSD: Treatment basics
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Prazosin (Minipress)
A blood pressure medication. Off-label for PTSD nightmares.
- FDA-approved for
- High blood pressure only. Sometimes used off-label for sleep problems and nightmares linked to PTSD.
- The evidence
- Mixed. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine lists it as an option that may be used for PTSD-related nightmares, but a large 2018 study in veterans found it worked no better than placebo.
- Important
- It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting when you stand up, especially when you first start or after a dose increase.
Source: VA/DoD PTSD guideline (2023): suggests prazosin for PTSD nightmares · Raskind et al., NEJM 2018 (a large trial that found no benefit) · FDA label (DailyMed): Prazosin · MedlinePlus: Prazosin · AASM position paper on nightmare treatment (J Clin Sleep Med, 2018) · Raskind et al. Trial of prazosin for PTSD in veterans (NEJM, 2018)
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Brand names are listed for recognition only. Off-label means a medication is used for something the FDA hasn't specifically approved it for.
Also commonly used (off-label)
Not FDA-approved for this condition
Venlafaxine and prazosin above are also off-label. This is one more of several options. “Off-label” means a medication approved for something else is used because research supports it for this condition. Your provider will talk with you about what fits you.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac). An SSRI that a review of PTSD trials found can be considered on its own. Source: Hoskins et al., 2021 (meta-analysis)
Antidepressant warning: In short-term studies, antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people up to age 24. Anyone taking one should be watched closely for worsening, especially during the first few months and at times of dosage changes. Don't stop suddenly; talk with your provider first.
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
What to expect
What to expect
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
A longer video visit about your symptoms, sleep, health and goals. You won't need to go into the details of your trauma.
3Understanding the picture
We explain what we think is going on, whether that's PTSD, something else, or more than one thing, and why.
4Your plan
If medication could help, we talk through the options, side effects and what to expect, and decide together. If trauma-focused therapy would help, we help you find it.
5Regular follow-ups
We check how you're doing and adjust carefully over time, one change at a time.
Bring this to your visit
Questions to ask your provider
Tick the ones you want to ask, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Before your first visit
Information your provider will want to know
Tick what you have ready, then copy the list to fill in your notes. Nothing is saved or sent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. You won't need to describe the details to get medication care. Your provider may ask basic questions, such as the type of trauma and when it happened. You decide how much you share.
Do you offer EMDR or other trauma therapy?
No. Trauma-focused therapies such as CPT, prolonged exposure and EMDR have the strongest evidence for PTSD, and we help you find them. We don't offer standalone weekly therapy, but we're happy to help you find a therapist and, with your permission, we'll coordinate with them.
How long does medication take to help?
It can take a few weeks to notice a change, and many people start to feel better in about 4 to 6 weeks. Keep taking it even if you don't notice a difference right away, and tell your provider how it's going. Please don't stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
Can you treat PTSD by video?
Yes. Most visits are by secure video, anywhere in New Jersey. Our office is in Mount Laurel, NJ, and in-person visits there are limited and by appointment only; ask our office.
What if I'm thinking about harming myself?
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Is a psychiatric nurse practitioner the same as a psychiatrist?
Both diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe psychiatric medication. Ours are board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP-BC), focused on careful evaluation and medication management.
Check your understanding
Three quick questions
1Which therapies have the strongest evidence for PTSD?
Trauma-focused therapies have the strongest evidence. We help you find them.
2How many medications are FDA-approved for PTSD?
Two SSRI antidepressants, sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), are FDA-approved for PTSD.
3Do you need to describe your trauma in detail to get medication care?
Your provider may ask basic questions, but you won't need to go into the details.
Myth or fact? PTSD
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Only combat veterans get PTSD.
Myth. Anyone can develop PTSD, at any age, after events such as an assault, abuse, an accident or a disaster.
2Strong reactions in the first weeks after a trauma mean you have PTSD.
Myth. These reactions are normal at first, and most people start to feel better after a few weeks. PTSD is when they last longer than a month and cause problems.
3PTSD can get better with treatment.
Fact. For many people, treatment relieves symptoms completely. Others find their symptoms become fewer or less intense.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- VA National Center for PTSD: PTSD basics
- VA National Center for PTSD: Treatment basics
- VA National Center for PTSD: Medications for PTSD
- VA National Center for PTSD: Complex PTSD
- NIMH: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- MedlinePlus: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- FDA label (DailyMed): Zoloft (sertraline)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Paxil (paroxetine)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Paxil CR (paroxetine extended-release)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Prazosin
- MedlinePlus: Sertraline
- MedlinePlus: Paroxetine
- MedlinePlus: Prazosin
- AASM position paper on nightmare treatment in adults (J Clin Sleep Med, 2018)
- Raskind et al. Trial of prazosin for PTSD in military veterans (NEJM, 2018)
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the VA National Center for PTSD, NIMH, MedlinePlus and the FDA labels on DailyMed, checked October 25, 2026.
- Signs are described in plain language and aren't a diagnostic checklist.
