Can Nightmares cause PTSD?

Despite obviously not being real, is it possible for a nightmare to be to traumatizing the point of causing post-traumatic stress disorder?

I ask, because almost two years ago, I had a period of regular nightmares, and one of them was so real, so plausible, so personal, that I spent an entire day locked in my room crying. Took me a week to get over it. Some days ago, I found out the subject of the nightmare happened for real a few months ago. Since then, I'm filled with anxiety, flashbacks of the nightmare, and other PTSD like symptoms.

Is it just a general anxious reaction, or should I seek professional help?

I think that just about anything can cause trauma, depending on the person. Everyone has different triggers. I really can't comment on whether or not it may be PTSD, as that is something that should probably be officially diagnosed.

If the feelings you're having are causing a significant decrease in your quality of life, and they don't seem to be going away on their own, my suggestion would be to go and see a professional about it. They may be able to help you figure out why this dream is causing you so much anxiety.

Of course, what equals "significant" may vary for you. Only you can decide if it's enough of an issue to merit seeking out help.

edited 15th Dec '10 10:16:47 AM by Meeble

Seems more likely that real life stress would cause the nightmares, and also be the cause of any PTSD. The nightmares are just a symptom. You should examine your reaction to the "event", whatever it is, and seek assistance with that. Not necessarily professional help, anyone who could relate to what you are feeling would be able to talk it over with you, and that is likely exactly what you need right now.

edited 15th Dec '10 10:25:06 AM by DeMarquis

The original nightmare, part of a period of such other nightmares, was caused by insecurity in a relationship, and fear for the well being of my girlfriend. The nightmare was just she being subjected to something horrible continuously, and me forced to watch until I broke completely. Only after breaking down 100% would the nightmare let me wake up.

And now, it that something horrible happened, and I was only told after the fact, and I'm anxious to the extreme, shaking, I only sleep because I was already on sleep medication, and I'm having flashbacks to the nightmare all day.

I really can't cope with this stuff.

So you had a premonition two years ago that something horrible would happen to your girlfriend, and now it's happened, and the nightmares have returned? It sounds like you're suffering from feeling powerless in this situation. Watching a loved one suffer while being unable to do anything about it can cause severe anxiety. A therapist could help you deal with your feelings, but without knowing what happened to the girlfriend I cant give you any constructive advice on how to help her. Perhaps you should get her to go see a professional? That would help both of you. In any case, finding some understanding person that you can discuss this with in a face to face setting could only help.

edited 15th Dec '10 12:27:26 PM by DeMarquis

We broke up a year ago. Bad breakup, but eventually we learned to cherish the good memories and improve as people with the bad ones. We we're becoming quite good friends again, and then she stopped communicating abruptly. I tried to reach out to her, and finally found out what happened.

I don't really have many people to talk to. I'm in bad terms with my family, and far away from my few friends. I also have my own issues with people, namely, some sort of social anxiety.

What specifically happened was sexual in nature and I'd rather leave it at that.

No, the PTSD would be from the event that caused the nightmare, in this case the failure in the relationship.

I agree that nightmare itself is probably another symptom of the problem.

But either way, if it's that severe you probably should see someone professional about this.