The signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in men are typically the same as the signs of PTSD in women. PTSD sufferers will usually relive their traumatic experiences through a number of techniques. Many will also avoid any reminders of the event, and some may also develop other mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. Men suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are typically a little more likely than women to develop a substance abuse problem, such as alcoholism.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can afflict people who experience a particularly terrifying experience. Causes of PTSD can include rape, murder, abuse, and war. Women, for instance, will sometimes develop signs of PTSD after being raped. PTSD in men is also common in many war veterans, especially those who have witnessed frightening acts of war.
One of the most common signs of PTSD in men is re-experiencing the traumatic events. A man may relive his experience a number of ways. He may have frightening nightmares, for instance, that may seem related or unrelated to the traumatic event.
PTSD in men can also cause them to have frightening memories when they are awake. These will sometimes seem very real, like he has been taken back in time to relive the event, and these memories are sometimes referred to as flashbacks. Startling memories will often be brought on by something that reminds a man of his traumatic experience. A man who suffers from PTSD after being in combat, for instance, may have flashbacks when he hears a loud bang. To him, this loud noise would not only be startling, but it may also remind him of gunshots that he heard while in combat.
Since certain things may remind a man of his traumatic experience, he may begin to avoid these triggers. Avoiding watching war movies is a common sign of PTSD in men who have been in active combat, for instance. Also, people who suffer from PTSD after a car accident may avoid the area where they crashed, or they may avoid cars altogether.
Anxiety is another common sign of PTSD in men. People who suffer from PTSD are often very jumpy and more nervous than others. They may always seem to be more alert than others, and they will also often have trouble concentrating and sleeping. Panic attacks are also quite common in men with PTSD.
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug abuse, is also common among PTSD sufferers. They will sometimes use mind-altering substances to help numb themselves, and some mental health experts believe these people are self-medicating themselves. While women with PTSD are also at risk of developing a problem with alcohol, some studies have shown that PTSD in men is more likely to result in alcoholism.