Translation guide
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to by the English abbreviation ピーティーエスディー or the term 心的外傷後ストレス障害. This guide covers how to talk about PTSD in Japanese, including clinical terms, everyday expressions, and related concepts.
Referring to the medical condition in formal or clinical contexts.
The formal Japanese term for PTSD, used in medical and official documents.
心的外傷後ストレス障害の治療には時間がかかります。
Treatment for PTSD takes time.
The English abbreviation is widely understood in Japan, especially in medical and media contexts.
彼はPTSDと診断されました。
He was diagnosed with PTSD.
Often written with the abbreviation in parentheses for clarity.
心的外傷後ストレス障害（PTSD）は、深刻なトラウマが原因で発症します。
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) develops due to severe trauma.
Talking about PTSD in casual conversation or non-specialist settings.
While 'trauma' is broader, it is often used colloquially to refer to PTSD-like symptoms. Be aware it can also mean just a bad experience.
トラウマ is not a clinical diagnosis; use PTSD or the full term for medical accuracy.
あの事故のトラウマで、車に乗れないんだ。
I can't ride in a car because of the trauma from that accident.
Talking about common symptoms like flashbacks, hyperarousal, or avoidance.
The standard term for flashbacks, a key symptom of PTSD.
戦争のフラッシュバックに悩まされています。
I suffer from flashbacks of the war.
Clinical term for hyperarousal, often used in medical contexts.
過覚醒症状として、常に緊張しています。
As a hyperarousal symptom, I am constantly on edge.
Refers to avoidance behavior, a common PTSD symptom.
トラウマを思い出す場所を避ける回避行動が見られます。
Avoidance behavior, such as avoiding places that remind one of the trauma, is observed.
Expressing the need for treatment or support.
Common way to say 'receive counseling'.
PTSDのカウンセリングを受けています。
I am receiving counseling for PTSD.
Literally 'go to a psychosomatic medicine clinic', a common first step for mental health issues in Japan.
PTSDの症状がひどいので、心療内科に行こうと思います。
My PTSD symptoms are severe, so I'm thinking of going to a psychosomatic clinic.
In casual Japanese, トラウマ is often used to mean PTSD, but it can also refer to any lingering psychological scar. For clinical accuracy, use PTSD or 心的外傷後ストレス障害.
PTSD is widely recognized in Japan, especially among younger generations and in media. It's safe to use in most contexts without explanation.
Means 'psychological trauma' and is used in both clinical and everyday contexts.
心的外傷が原因で、フラッシュバックが起きることがあります。
Flashbacks can occur due to psychological trauma.