After a frightening accident, many people feel shaken, have bad dreams or avoid the road for a while. For most, these reactions fade over weeks.
When symptoms persist beyond about a month and affect life, PTSD may have developed.
Key concepts
- Early reactions are normal responses to an abnormal event
- Avoidance can turn short-term fear into long-term PTSD
- Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are effective
Symptoms and signs
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the crash
- Nightmares and poor sleep
- Avoiding driving or being a passenger; jumpiness in traffic
Causes
- Feeling one's life was in danger
- Injury, death of others or long hospital stay
- Lack of support afterwards
Risk factors
- Previous trauma or anxiety
- Chronic pain after injury
- Legal or financial stress after the accident
Evidence-based management
- In the first weeks: rest, support, gradual return to routine
- Trauma-focused CBT or EMDR if symptoms persist
- Graded return to driving
- Medicines for persistent PTSD, depression or sleep problems
When to seek professional help
- Symptoms lasting more than a month
- Unable to travel to work or school
- Using alcohol to sleep or forget
Frequently asked questions
Should I talk about the accident immediately?
Talk if and when you want to; forced detailed debriefing straight after is not recommended.
Can children get PTSD after an accident?
Yes; watch for nightmares, clinginess, play that repeats the accident and fear of travel.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116). NICE, UK, 2018.
- ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics. World Health Organization.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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