What symptoms of ptsd do people have in real life here?

A wide variety: People keep "re-experiencing" the traumatic event in a variety of ways (e.g., memories dreams), they find themselves avoiding reminders of the trauma, and just feeling "numb" or detached in various ways. In addition, they also have difficulties feeling calm and on an even keel (e.g., it can be hard to sleep or concentrate). Therapy and/or medications tailored to the individual's symptoms can help.

It depends: People can witness or experience life-threatening events, or be otherwise victimized, in "real life." automobile accidents; being criminally or domestically assaulted; and physical/sexual/emotional abuse in childhood is more common than appreciated. All can have sequelae. Some symptoms can be nightmares, strong "startle" response, re-experiencing of trauma; avoidance or numbing of emotion, etc.

PTSD: Hyperarousal, avoidance, hypervigilance. Most common are loss of interest or pleasure, nightmares, flashbacks, despair/hopelessness, anger/irritability, and somatic complaints such as headaches.

Symptom inquiry: The doctor should inquire if the patient has been in a situation where the patient believes loss of life or catastrophic injury was imminent, and with no means of escape. Symptoms from these experiences include, hypervigilance, sleep loss, nightmares, reliving the trauma, social withdrawal, anhedonia, temper outbursts, emotional withdrawal, feelings of unfinished business, and adrenalin seeking.