Common signs of PTSD in veterans include nightmares or flashbacks of service, avoiding crowds or reminders, feeling constantly on guard and sudden anger. Many veterans also feel numb, guilty or disconnected from family after returning home. Drinking to sleep or calm down is common too. If these symptoms last more than a month and affect daily life, it may be PTSD. The good news is that it is treatable.
Key Takeaways
- About 7 in 100 veterans will have PTSD at some point, slightly higher than the general public.
- Rates are highest among veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, at 29% over a lifetime.
- Women veterans have higher PTSD rates than men veterans.
- Hypervigilance, anger, sleep problems and drinking are common signs in veterans.
- Military sexual trauma is a major cause of PTSD, especially among women veterans.
- Trauma-focused therapy works, and veterans can call 988, then press 1, for the Veterans Crisis Line.
How Common Is PTSD in Veterans?
According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7% of veterans will have PTSD in their lifetime. That compares with about 6% of all U.S. adults. Rates vary by service era.
| Service era | PTSD in the past year | PTSD in their lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq and Afghanistan (OIF/OEF) | 15% | 29% |
| Gulf War | 14% | 21% |
| Vietnam War | 5% | 10% |
| WWII and Korean War | 2% | 3% |
Women veterans are affected more often, with rates of about 13% compared with 6% for men veterans. Military sexual trauma (MST) plays a large role. About 1 in 3 women veterans and 1 in 50 men veterans report MST when screened by VA providers.
Signs of PTSD in Veterans
Reliving the Trauma
- Nightmares about combat, deployment or a specific event
- Flashbacks triggered by loud noises, smells or crowds
- Unwanted memories that interrupt work or conversations
Avoiding Reminders
- Staying away from crowded places, fireworks or news coverage
- Refusing to talk about service
- Pulling away from family, friends or fellow service members
Staying on High Alert
- Constantly scanning for danger, even at home
- Sitting with your back to the wall in public
- Being easily startled
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Changes in Mood and Thinking
- Guilt about what you did or didn’t do in service
- Feeling numb or unable to feel close to loved ones
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Seeing the world as dangerous or people as untrustworthy
Behavior Changes
- Sudden anger, irritability or road rage
- Reckless driving or other risky behavior
- Drinking or using drugs to sleep or cope
- Trouble holding a job or keeping up with responsibilities
Combat Stress vs PTSD
Combat stress reactions are common and normal after deployment. They include trouble sleeping, irritability and being on edge for days or weeks after returning. For many service members, these ease with time and support.
PTSD is different. Symptoms last more than a month, stay intense and get in the way of daily life. If your stress reactions aren’t fading after you come home, it’s time to get evaluated.
PTSD and Drinking in Veterans
Many veterans use alcohol to quiet nightmares or calm a nervous system that won’t switch off. It may help in the short term, but it worsens sleep, mood and PTSD over time. When PTSD and drinking happen together, treating both at once works best.
PTSD Treatment for Veterans
PTSD treatment works for veterans. Trauma-focused therapies have the strongest evidence:
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): helps you work through guilt and stuck beliefs about service.
- Prolonged exposure (PE): helps you face memories and situations you’ve been avoiding.
- EMDR therapy: reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories.
Medication can help with sleep, anxiety or depression. Group therapy with other veterans can also break down isolation.
If You’re in Crisis
Veterans or service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1. You can also text 838255. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Conclusion
Signs of PTSD in veterans include nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, anger and drinking to cope. These symptoms are common after service, especially for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan or survivors of military sexual trauma.
PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness. With trauma-focused care, veterans can sleep better, reconnect with family and feel at home again.
Veteran and Active Duty Treatment at Lotus Recovery
Lotus Recovery Treatment Center runs a dedicated veterans and active duty military program in Thousand Oaks. Our team provides PTSD treatment with EMDR, CBT and Seeking Safety, along with care for drinking or drug use.
Day and evening outpatient programs let you get help while keeping your job. Doctors are on call 24/7.
Call (805) 856-6690 or verify your insurance to get started with a same day appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 17 symptoms of PTSD in veterans?
The “17 symptoms” list comes from an older version of the diagnostic manual, the DSM-IV. The current DSM-5 lists 20 symptoms in four groups: reliving the trauma, avoidance, negative changes in mood or thinking, and changes in arousal. A clinician uses these to diagnose PTSD.
What is the difference between combat stress and PTSD?
Combat stress is a normal reaction to deployment that usually eases within weeks of returning home. PTSD lasts more than a month, stays intense and disrupts daily life. If symptoms aren’t fading, get evaluated.
How do you rebuild your life after PTSD?
Start with trauma-focused therapy to reduce symptoms. Rebuild routines around sleep, exercise and work. Reconnect with family and other veterans who understand. Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope. Recovery takes time, but many veterans build full, steady lives after PTSD.
Can PTSD show up years after service?
Yes. Some veterans don’t notice symptoms until months or years later, often after a new stressor like retirement, loss or a health problem. Delayed PTSD is just as treatable.
Is PTSD in veterans treatable without the VA?
Yes. Many civilian treatment centers offer evidence-based PTSD care for veterans. Some veterans use VA Community Care, TRICARE or private insurance to cover treatment. Check your coverage before you start.
