How PTSD and Depression Overlap
Most people who experience trauma will have a temporary period of difficulty coping and adjusting to life in the aftermath. But some people who survive trauma can’t stop thinking about what happened.
If you’re experiencing trauma symptoms that persist for over a month and interfere with your ability to go about your day, you may have PTSD. Approximately 6 percent of people in the United States will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime.
The symptoms of PTSD include the following:
- Intrusive Memories These are recurrent and unwanted thoughts, memories — including especially vivid memories called flashbacks that feel like reliving the event — or distressing dreams associated with the traumatic event.
- Avoidance Symptoms Those with PTSD may avoid people, places, and things that remind them of the trauma, as well as avoid thinking or talking about it.
- Negative Thoughts and Feelings People may start to feel bad about themselves or others, may blame themselves for what happened, may not find pleasure in things they once enjoyed, may stop trusting people, or may feel detached from family and friends.
- Arousal Symptoms These changes in physical and emotional reactions may include being on high alert all the time, startling easily, having difficulty sleeping, irritability, and having a short temper.
Although they are distinct diagnoses, symptoms of major depression and PTSD can overlap, and sometimes you can be diagnosed with both. Depression is 3 to 5 times more likely in people with PTSD than in people without PTSD.
These symptoms may overlap in depression and PTSD:
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Problems concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Social withdrawal
“Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between the two,” says Chaghouri. “However, what’s unique in patients with PTSD is that there are hallmark symptoms of reliving the traumatic experience by having flashbacks, avoiding the environment or circumstances by which the event happened, and being always on edge.”
Whether someone with trauma goes on to develop PTSD, depression, or both depends on each person’s risk factors, Chaghouri says. Some people may be more or less likely to develop depression based on their coping mechanisms, resilience, and personal support systems, he says.
“Those who have preexisting mental health disorders can experience more intensified symptoms of depression or PTSD,” Chaghouri says.
