Patient’s Presentation
The patient, referred to as Sarah, was selected to illustrate a less typical presentation of PTSD. The aim is to broaden the understanding of PTSD beyond its common association with war veterans. Sarah, a Somalia-born immigrant, arrived in the U.S. at age 10 and sought treatment at 35. She reported difficulty sleeping, feeling "spaced out and jittery," overwhelmed by loud noises, and experiencing nausea and lightheadedness. Sarah avoids rush hour travel on public transportation, keeps personal matters private, feels lonely, and is frequently tearful. She describes an overwhelming sense of fatigue, a potential indicator of depression. Sarah is socially isolated, maintaining little contact with her siblings in the U.S., denies substance use and depression.