Do I Have PTSD Quiz?
- Self-Test for Both Veterans and Civilians

While both PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) share overlapping symptoms, such as persistent worry and heightened alertness, they are distinct mental health conditions with different underlying causes and diagnostic criteria. PTSD is a response to experiencing or witnessing a specific traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, assault, or combat. This trauma often leads to symptoms like flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance directly tied to the traumatic experience. Individuals with PTSD may avoid situations or places that remind them of the trauma, and their symptoms can feel overwhelmingly tied to those specific memories or events.

In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by ongoing and excessive worry about a range of everyday issues, not necessarily connected to a traumatic event. People with GAD experience a more generalized sense of anxiety, often without an identifiable trigger, and may worry about health, finances, relationships, or other common life concerns. Unlike PTSD, GAD does not typically involve flashbacks or specific trauma-related memories. Treatment approaches can differ, as PTSD treatment often includes trauma-focused therapies, such as EMDR, to help process and reduce the impact of the trauma, whereas GAD may be more commonly treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and techniques focused on managing generalized worry and stress. Both conditions can benefit from professional support, but recognizing the differences can help individuals receive a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.