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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryPTSD in Women: Signs, Symptoms, Tips & Treatment
Table of Contents:OverviewThe Difference Between PTSD in Women vs. MenSigns & Symptoms of PTSD in WomenCommon Causes of PTSD in WomenHow to Manage PTSD in WomenFinding PTSD Treatment for Women
PTSDRead Time: 7 Minutes
Published On: November 19, 2021
Reviewed On: April 8, 2022
Updated On: November 3, 2023
OverviewUpdated 08/17/23Half of all peoplewill experience at least one form of trauma in their lifetime. About 8% of them will developpost traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) as a result, and studies show that women are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men are. Even though it typically takes longer for them to be diagnosed, PTSD symptoms in women are more likely to present for a longer duration of time, and women are more prone to have extreme sensitivity to stimuli that reminds them of the trauma they experienced.Overall, there are some major differences between PTSD symptoms in women and men. Keep reading to learn more about them, along with the signs, common causes, and how to find in-person oronline therapyfor PTSD in women. Recognizing the signs of post traumatic stress early on can mean an earlier diagnosis and PTSD treatment, which can improve quality of life and mental well-being.
Overview
Updated 08/17/23
Half of all peoplewill experience at least one form of trauma in their lifetime. About 8% of them will developpost traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) as a result, and studies show that women are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men are. Even though it typically takes longer for them to be diagnosed, PTSD symptoms in women are more likely to present for a longer duration of time, and women are more prone to have extreme sensitivity to stimuli that reminds them of the trauma they experienced.
Overall, there are some major differences between PTSD symptoms in women and men. Keep reading to learn more about them, along with the signs, common causes, and how to find in-person oronline therapyfor PTSD in women. Recognizing the signs of post traumatic stress early on can mean an earlier diagnosis and PTSD treatment, which can improve quality of life and mental well-being.
The Difference Between PTSD in Women vs. MenLike many physical and mental health conditions, PTSD in women presents differently than it does in men. This may in part, be due to the fact that women and men experience different mental health problems in general. For example, it’s much more common for women to be diagnosed with disorders likeanxietyanddepression, which are considered internalizing disorders. By contrast, men more commonly experience externalizing disorders, like substance abuse or other behavior related to poor impulse control.One known difference between men and women is that signs of PTSD in women typically seem to be more intense. In fact, research on PTSD symptoms in active duty military shows thatwomen often show more distressin almostallof the physical symptoms listed on thePTSD Checklist, Civilian Version (CPL-C). This self-reporting scale lists 17 of the key symptoms someone with PTSD might experience.
The Difference Between PTSD in Women vs. Men
Like many physical and mental health conditions, PTSD in women presents differently than it does in men. This may in part, be due to the fact that women and men experience different mental health problems in general. For example, it’s much more common for women to be diagnosed with disorders likeanxietyanddepression, which are considered internalizing disorders. By contrast, men more commonly experience externalizing disorders, like substance abuse or other behavior related to poor impulse control.
One known difference between men and women is that signs of PTSD in women typically seem to be more intense. In fact, research on PTSD symptoms in active duty military shows thatwomen often show more distressin almostallof the physical symptoms listed on thePTSD Checklist, Civilian Version (CPL-C). This self-reporting scale lists 17 of the key symptoms someone with PTSD might experience.
Expert Insight
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), DDKarmen Smith
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD in WomenThe overall signs and symptoms of PTSDcanbe the same across genders. However, some symptoms are seen more often, and more severely, in women.Here’s how to identify some of the most commonPTSD symptomsin women:Avoidance:Someresearchhas shown that avoidance is one of the most common symptoms of PTSD in women. The avoidance symptom is intentionally avoiding feelings or thoughts that might remind someone of the traumatic event or events they experienced that originally triggered their PTSD. It’s among the most common PTSD symptoms and can include avoiding people, places, or any other environmental trigger.Re-experiencing trauma:Studiesshow that more women than men have the symptom of re-experiencing. Re-experiencing is another key symptom of PTSD, and it includes having unwanted or unprovoked, intrusive memories and thoughts about the traumatic experience. It can include nightmares, flashbacks, or an intense feeling that thetraumatic eventis happening again. This is very common in women veterans, along with male veterans.Depression or anxiety:Since PTSD symptoms in women tend to be more internalized, it makes sense that they’d experience more depression and anxiety related to their condition, as both of these are internalizing disorders.Hyperarousal:Researchshows that women in the military who develop PTSD symptoms have higher scores on measures of hyperarousal than men do. Hyperarousal involves a heightened or intense state of awareness. It can result in hypervigilance, anxiety, sleep difficulties, irritability, difficulty concentrating, orpanic attacks. Notably, hyperarousal is a common symptom ofPTSD in the workplace; women with PTSD might fixate on trying to control their hypervigilance and struggle with the tasks they’re responsible for.Emotional numbness:Emotional numbness is yet another common PTSD symptom. It includes shutting down any feeling that might be distressing or overwhelming. It can result in a sense of detachment from others, a loss of interest in things once enjoyed, a lack of emotion, difficulty having any sort of positivity, or social isolation. Ultimately, emotional numbness is a way to avoid very painful thoughts or memories that are related to the trauma experienced.Startle response:Women with PTSD can more easily become startled than men might. Startle response is due to the body having a physical reaction to perceived or real fear. A heightened response to an intense stimulus is more evident in PTSD in women.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD in Women
The overall signs and symptoms of PTSDcanbe the same across genders. However, some symptoms are seen more often, and more severely, in women.
Here’s how to identify some of the most commonPTSD symptomsin women:
Common Causes of PTSD in WomenAny traumatic experience can result in PTSD. Events or experiences that are dangerous, life-threatening or violent tend to be more triggering. Common examples of causes of PTSD in women can include:CombatOther military experiencesSexual assaultPhysical assaultDomestic violenceChild sexual abuseChild physical abuseWitnessing a traumatic eventLearning about violent death, injury, or accident of a loved oneVery serious accidents like car wrecks or traumatic fallsTerrorist attacksNatural disasters like tornadoes, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, or floodsWitnessing effects of a violent or terrible event
Common Causes of PTSD in Women
Any traumatic experience can result in PTSD. Events or experiences that are dangerous, life-threatening or violent tend to be more triggering. Common examples of causes of PTSD in women can include:
How to Manage PTSD in WomenSince signs of PTSD in women are different than they are for men, it’s important to understand how to manage PTSD, specifically when we’re talking about women. Treatment options for PTSD can involve counseling or therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.Effective treatment for PTSD can include:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy (also known astalk therapy). During sessions ofCBT for PTSD, you try to identify the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that may be interfering in daily life. It helps you develop a healthier thought process and patterns.Cognitive processing therapy (CPT):Cognitive processing therapyis atype of CBTthat was specifically developed to treat PTSD. It lets you identify and then change thought patterns related to the original trauma that are upsetting or triggering, so you can confront your trauma and negative thoughts in a healthier way.Prolonged exposure therapy (PET):Prolongedexposure therapy(PET) is another form of talk therapy that helps you slowly and methodically remember a traumatic event. Over time, you’ll be able to confront your trauma and ideally become less sensitive to triggers.Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy:EMDR therapyis also used to treat PTSD. During an EMDR therapy session, you’ll be asked to recall your trauma and talk about it as you hone in on a specific visual. Sometimes rather than looking at something, you may listen repeatedly to a certain sound, such as a repetitive beeping noise.PTSD Medication:Another treatment option is medication. There are several medications to help treat PTSD symptoms, including anti-anxiety meds and differenttypes of antidepressants. Most often, to get the most benefit, medication is used in combination with therapy.
How to Manage PTSD in Women
Since signs of PTSD in women are different than they are for men, it’s important to understand how to manage PTSD, specifically when we’re talking about women. Treatment options for PTSD can involve counseling or therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Effective treatment for PTSD can include:
Finding PTSD Treatment for WomenWhile stress or anxiety after a traumatic event is normal, if it continues for a long period of time, doesn’t begin to fade within a few weeks or months, or begins interfering in daily life, it might be time to consider treatment.Treatment for PTSD can last weeks, months, or even years. It’s important to figure out what will work best for you because effective PTSD treatment can look different for every woman. In addition to therapy and medication, support groups and networks are also great coping mechanisms that can help.Finally, there are self-help techniques that can be very useful in treating the symptoms of PTSD.Researchhas suggested that some forms of creative therapy — like music-instruction programs — can also be effective for PTSD.Some women have found the following to be helpful in managing their PTSD:YogaMindful meditationExerciseSetting (and enforcing) boundariesTai chiJournaling for mental healthGetting a service dogCreative outlets like gardening, painting, music, or writing
Finding PTSD Treatment for Women
While stress or anxiety after a traumatic event is normal, if it continues for a long period of time, doesn’t begin to fade within a few weeks or months, or begins interfering in daily life, it might be time to consider treatment.
Treatment for PTSD can last weeks, months, or even years. It’s important to figure out what will work best for you because effective PTSD treatment can look different for every woman. In addition to therapy and medication, support groups and networks are also great coping mechanisms that can help.
Finally, there are self-help techniques that can be very useful in treating the symptoms of PTSD.Researchhas suggested that some forms of creative therapy — like music-instruction programs — can also be effective for PTSD.
Some women have found the following to be helpful in managing their PTSD:
See ReferencesWomen who experience trauma are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. Here’s whyFacts About Women and Trauma. Published 2017. Accessed October 29, 2021.PTSD Checklist – Civilian Version (PCL-C).PTSD Checklist – Civilian Version (PCL-C). Weathers, Litz, Huska, & Keane National Center for PTSD - Behavioral Science Division; 2003:1. Accessed October 29, 2021.Gender differences in the expression of PTSD symptoms among active duty military personnelHourani L, Williams J, Bray R, Kandel D. Gender differences in the expression of PTSD symptoms among active duty military personnel. J Anxiety Disord. 2015;29:101-108. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.11.007. Accessed October 29, 2021.Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderNIMH » Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nimh.nih.gov. Published 2019. Accessed October 29, 2021.Post-traumatic stress disorderBisson J, Cosgrove S, Lewis C, Roberts N. Post-traumatic stress disorder. BMJ. 2015:h6161. doi:10.1136/bmj.h6161. October 29, 2021.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Treatment of PTSD. Published 2017. Accessed October 29, 2021.Music-instruction intervention for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized pilot studyPezzin L, Larson E, Lorber W, McGinley E, Dillingham T. Music-instruction intervention for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized pilot study. BMC Psychol. 2018;6(1). doi:10.1186/s40359-018-0274-8. Accessed October 29, 2021.
See References
Facts About Women and Trauma. Published 2017. Accessed October 29, 2021.
PTSD Checklist – Civilian Version (PCL-C). Weathers, Litz, Huska, & Keane National Center for PTSD - Behavioral Science Division; 2003:1. Accessed October 29, 2021.
Hourani L, Williams J, Bray R, Kandel D. Gender differences in the expression of PTSD symptoms among active duty military personnel. J Anxiety Disord. 2015;29:101-108. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.11.007. Accessed October 29, 2021.
NIMH » Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nimh.nih.gov. Published 2019. Accessed October 29, 2021.
Bisson J, Cosgrove S, Lewis C, Roberts N. Post-traumatic stress disorder. BMJ. 2015:h6161. doi:10.1136/bmj.h6161. October 29, 2021.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Treatment of PTSD. Published 2017. Accessed October 29, 2021.
Pezzin L, Larson E, Lorber W, McGinley E, Dillingham T. Music-instruction intervention for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized pilot study. BMC Psychol. 2018;6(1). doi:10.1186/s40359-018-0274-8. Accessed October 29, 2021.
Karmen SmithDr. Karmen Smith is a board-certified Clinical Social Worker in the state of Nevada. She has worked over 20 years for Clark County Family Services with abused and neglected children in the shelter, adolescents in juvenile detention, and adults who have suffered severe trauma. Dr. Smith is a shamanic teacher and minister of metaphysics and her doctorate is in Pastoral Counseling.
Dr. Karmen Smith is a board-certified Clinical Social Worker in the state of Nevada. She has worked over 20 years for Clark County Family Services with abused and neglected children in the shelter, adolescents in juvenile detention, and adults who have suffered severe trauma. Dr. Smith is a shamanic teacher and minister of metaphysics and her doctorate is in Pastoral Counseling.
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