A car accident can affect your mental health long after the crash, but can you get PTSD? Yes. A serious or frightening collision can trigger PTSD, but not every strong reaction after a crash means you have the condition. A qualified mental health professional can determine whether your symptoms meet the criteria for PTSD.
How Common is PTSD after a car accident?
A
recent review of 82 studies found that about 20.3% of road traffic accident survivors had PTSD during the first one to six months after a crash. Rates varied widely by location and by how each study measured PTSD. That means you shouldn’t expect the same 20.3% rate after every accident.
What are the signs of ptsd after a car accident?
After a crash, trauma can affect what you remember, what you avoid and how your body reacts to reminders of the accident. The
National Institute of Mental Health groups PTSD symptoms into several types. These include problems with memories, avoidance, mood and physical reactions. Common signs include:
- Repeated or unwanted memories, nightmares or flashbacks about the crash
- Avoiding driving, riding in a vehicle or other reminders of the accident
- Feeling tense, easily startled, irritable or constantly on guard
- Trouble sleeping, concentrating or remembering parts of the event
- Persistent fear, guilt, anger, isolation or loss of interest in activities
Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have PTSD. Stress reactions are common after frightening events. A mental health professional can consider how long your symptoms have lasted, how severe they are and how much they affect your daily life.
When Can PTSD Be Diagnosed?
PTSD symptoms often begin within three months of a traumatic event, but they can appear later. NIMH says an adult must have symptoms for longer than one month to meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. They also must be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Feeling nervous about driving for a short time after a crash can be a normal stress response. Symptoms may be more concerning when they continue, get worse or make it hard to work, sleep or maintain relationships.
How Can PTSD Affect Daily Life?
PTSD can affect everyday life in several ways. You may avoid driving, lose sleep or have trouble focusing at work. Fear, irritability or other mood changes can also make relationships, social activities and daily tasks harder.
