By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
Mental health challenges often overlap, and two of the most commonly confused conditions are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Both can involve overwhelming worry, disrupted sleep, and heightened alertness. Yet there are important distinctions in their symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches that can help you or a loved one find the right support.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between PTSD and anxiety, highlight the overlapping signs, and explain how specialized therapy in Brooklyn can make a difference.
Overlapping Symptoms of PTSD and Anxiety
Because PTSD is categorized as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder while anxiety disorders are their own group, there is a lot of symptom overlap. This is why many people feel confused about what they are truly experiencing.
Some of the most common overlapping signs include:
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Panic attacks – sudden surges of fear, racing heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
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Insomnia and nightmares – difficulty falling or staying asleep due to intrusive thoughts or worries.
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Hypervigilance – a constant state of being “on edge” and scanning for danger.
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Avoidance behaviors – steering clear of certain places or situations that feel unsafe.
These shared symptoms can disrupt daily life and make it hard to focus at work, school, or in relationships. However, identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.
Distinct Markers of PTSD
What sets PTSD symptoms apart is their direct link to a traumatic event. PTSD develops after someone experiences or witnesses life-threatening, violent, or deeply distressing events. The symptoms often cluster into specific patterns:
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Flashbacks and intrusive memories – reliving the trauma as if it’s happening again.
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Trauma-specific triggers – sounds, smells, or locations that bring back overwhelming distress.
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Emotional numbness – feeling detached from others, unable to experience positive emotions.
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Re-experiencing events in dreams – trauma-based nightmares rather than general worries.
Unlike generalized anxiety, PTSD symptoms are anchored to a past event, and treatment often involves safely processing that trauma.
👉 If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, you can take our confidential PTSD Test to better understand your symptoms.
Distinct Markers of Anxiety Disorders
On the other hand, anxiety disorders are not always tied to trauma. Instead, they are often linked to genetics, brain chemistry, or environmental stressors. Distinguishing markers include:
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Excessive worry – persistent fears about everyday events, health, or the future.
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Generalized anxiety – symptoms spread across many aspects of life, not just one event.
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Social anxiety – intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
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Physical tension – muscle aches, headaches, or stomach upset from constant stress.
While panic attacks and insomnia can appear in both PTSD and anxiety, the content and triggers of the distress tend to differ.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the difference between PTSD and anxiety is critical because it guides treatment. Both conditions respond to therapy, but the approaches may vary:
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PTSD treatment often focuses on trauma processing through therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-focused CBT, or somatic approaches. The goal is to help individuals safely revisit and reframe the traumatic event so that it no longer controls daily life.
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Anxiety treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness training, and relaxation techniques to break the cycle of worry and avoidance.
In both cases, therapy can reduce symptoms, improve sleep, and restore a sense of safety and confidence.
Finding Therapy in Brooklyn, NY
Living with either PTSD or anxiety can feel isolating, but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, our licensed therapists specialize in helping clients recognize their symptoms and receive care tailored to their needs.
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Learn more about PTSD therapy in Brooklyn
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Explore options for anxiety treatment in Brooklyn and NY
Take the Next Step
If you’re unsure whether you are experiencing PTSD symptoms, anxiety, or a mix of both, remember that you do not need a formal diagnosis to begin healing. The first step is awareness.
👉 Take the PTSD Test today and connect with a therapist who can help you find clarity, strength, and peace of mind.
At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, we are here to support Brooklyn residents in creating healthier, more resilient lives—one step at a time.
FAQs
1. Does untreated PTSD get worse over time?
Yes. Without treatment, PTSD symptoms may intensify, leading to chronic insomnia, severe anxiety, or depression. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications.
2. Can anxiety trigger PTSD?
Not directly. Anxiety itself does not cause PTSD, but high stress levels can make someone more vulnerable to developing PTSD if they later experience a traumatic event.
3. Are medications used differently for PTSD and anxiety?
Yes. Both conditions may be treated with antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, but PTSD treatment may also involve medications that specifically target nightmares and sleep disturbances.
4. How do therapists diagnose PTSD versus anxiety?
Therapists typically use structured clinical interviews, self-report tests, and a review of personal history. PTSD diagnosis requires exposure to trauma, while anxiety disorders do not.
5. Can lifestyle changes help with both PTSD and anxiety?
Absolutely. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and a strong support system can ease symptoms of both PTSD and anxiety, though therapy is often necessary for deeper recovery.
References
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American Psychiatric Association. (2023). What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). (2024). Understanding Anxiety Disorders
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Mayo Clinic. (2024). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
