TBI and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur as the result of exposure to events that involve actual or threatened death, intense fear, extreme stress or violence, or feeling helpless. You may have been exposed to these events daily. There are similarities and differences between PTSD and TBI.

Common symptoms of PTSD include irritability, depression, sleep problems, feeling jumpy, difficulty concentrating, inability to recall details of the trauma, reliving the trauma, avoiding close contact with family or friends, flashbacks, and feeling detached or disconnected from emotions.

These symptoms could also be indicative of a TBI. It is not unusual for people to experience both diagnoses. The differences are often subtle. Common symptoms of a TBI include insomnia, anxiety, mood changes, feeling like you are losing it, problems remembering or concentrating, depression, irritability, and avoiding close contact with family or friends. Certain physical symptoms may differentiate a traumatic brain injury from PTSD.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to a professional who can help you understand what is happening.

PTSD Resources

• National Center for PTSD
• New York State OMH
• Military One Source
• Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
• Vet Centers
• Iraq War Veterans Organizations, Inc.