Understanding Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED)

You may have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition that produces chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment after someone experiences a negative life event (for example, being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job).


PTED may be more likely to occur if the person worked hard to achieve their goals before being let down. For example, if someone worked overtime or took on extra responsibilities to get a promotion but instead was let go, they may believe that their firing was particularly unjust, causing them to feel bitter and resentful.


What Are the Symptoms of PTED?


Post-traumatic embitterment disorder symptoms can vary from one person to another. With that said, PTED often causes people to feel:


  • Abused
  • Aggressive
  • Angry
  • Betrayed
  • Distressed
  • Frustrated
  • Helpless
  • Hopeless
  • Uncooperative
  • Untrusting
  • Vengeful
  • Violated


Individuals with PTED often blame others rather than taking accountability for their own problems. Symptoms like these can keep someone with PTED from moving on with their life, affecting their relationships and in some cases even leading to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.


Learn More About PTED


Would you like to know more about post-traumatic embitterment disorder? If so, contact us today. The therapists on our team are highly experienced in treating PTED and can provide you with additional insight into potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you take the next step with moving on from a traumatic life event.