Translation guide
A mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event, causing flashbacks, anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
The formal diagnosis of PTSD as a mental health condition.
Referring to PTSD in everyday conversation or non-specialist contexts.
Do not translate 'post-traumatic stress disorder' word-for-word into Japanese. The standard term is 心的外傷後ストレス障害, and the abbreviation PTSD is widely understood. In casual contexts, トラウマ is the most natural choice, even though it technically means 'trauma'.
The standard medical term for PTSD in Japanese. Used in clinical settings and official documents.
彼は心的外傷後ストレス障害と診断された。
He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The English abbreviation commonly used in Japanese medical contexts and media. Often pronounced as individual letters.
PTSDの治療には時間がかかります。
Treatment for PTSD takes time.
While technically meaning 'trauma', this word is widely used in casual Japanese to refer to PTSD-like symptoms or lasting psychological scars from a distressing event. It is the most common way to express the concept in daily life.
あの事故のトラウマで、まだ車に乗れない。
Because of the trauma from that accident, I still can't get in a car.
Literally 'psychological trauma'. Used in semi-formal contexts or when explaining PTSD without the full medical term. More precise than トラウマ but less clinical than the full phrase.
心的外傷が原因で不眠に悩んでいる。
I'm suffering from insomnia due to psychological trauma.