Delayed stress disorder, also known as delayed onset post-traumatic stress disorder, refers to a condition where people experience symptoms of PTSD months, or even years, after the traumatic event. The medical community also uses other terms such as post-traumatic stress disorder with delayed onset, delayed post-traumatic stress disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder with delayed expression. Other associated terms for delayed stress disorder include complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These terms are used interchangeably to describe the long-term effects of exposure to severe trauma. Common symptoms of delayed stress disorder include flashbacks or nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, and emotional detachment. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and support groups. Early intervention is key to managing symptoms of delayed stress disorder.