To meet the criteria for diagnosis, patients must have been exposed directly or indirectly to a traumatic event, and ≥ 9 of the following must be present for a period of 3 days up to 1 month: Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories [msdmanuals.com]

• Nightmare

  Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. [nhs.uk]

• Irritability

  Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. [nhs.uk]

  […] the traumatic event Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event Efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) associated with the event Sleep disturbance Irritability [msdmanuals.com]

  […] traumatic event Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event Efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, and situations) associated with the event Disturbed sleep Irritability [merckmanuals.com]

• Sleep Disturbance

  Drugs to assist sleep may help, but other drugs are generally not indicated. Self-care is crucial during and after a crisis or trauma. [msdmanuals.com]

• Confusion

  Find out more about complex PTSD When to seek medical advice It's normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but most people improve naturally over a few weeks. [nhs.uk]

Any treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how soon they occur after the traumatic event. [nhs.uk]

Self-care Debriefing or supportive interviewing by professionals Medication treatment Many people recover once they are removed from the traumatic situation, shown understanding and empathy, and given an opportunity to describe the event and their reaction [msdmanuals.com]

To prevent or minimize this disorder in people who were involved in or witnessed a traumatic event, some experts recommend systematic debriefing to help guide the process. [msdmanuals.com]