I'm not qualified to diagnose anybody, and of course haven't met your boyfriend either, but I'm not sure that what you are describing sounds like PTSD. That doesn't mean that he doesn't have PTSD - just that the symptoms you have described don't really sound like that to me.

The main sympsoms of PTSD include three major types:

1. <LI>reexperiencing of the event (could be images, flashbacks, nightmares, etc.)<LI>emotional numbing or detachment (a sense of disconnection from the world, as well as dissociation)<LI>hypervigilence or chronic arousal (which means not being able to relax - always being on guard and ready to take action)

One thing about PTSD though is that it is very common for people to have it to also have other problems, often including depression, substance abuse, other anxiety disorders, and anger management problems. It sounds like he definitely has anger management issues.

What was he like before the fighting? Did his problems mostly start after that?

As you have found out, you can't make someone better. If he does the work that it takes to deal with his problems, he could get better, but it is really up to him. Even being willing to go to counseling isn't enough - he has to actively work on this.

It must be very hard on you to live with this situation. For one thing, it hurts to watch someone you love suffer. Also, when they get mad and react violently over little things that must keep you constantly on edge. If you can, you might want to consider counseling for yourself in order to deal with your living situation.

I wish you the best, whatever you decide to do.

<font color=orange>"Everyone has a need for significance; and if we can't make that possible, or even probable, in our society, then it will be obtained in destructive ways." -Rollo May</font color=orange>