PTSD (Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder)
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a category
within the over-arching classification of Anxiety Disorders.
PTSD is a condition
that can develop following a terrifying event. Often, individuals
with PTSD have persistent thoughts and memories of this event
and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were
once close to. PTSD can result from a number of traumatic incidents
such as violent attacks, mugging, rape, torture, terrorism,
being held captive, child abuse, serious accidents, a major
fearful experience, and natural disasters. The trigger event
can be something that threatened (real or imagined) the person’s
life or the life of someone very close to them, or it could
be something they had witnessed, such as a death and destruction
from a plane crash, bombing or building devastation.
Some individuals with PTSD repeatedly relive
their trauma through dreams, nightmares, and disturbing memories
throughout the day. They may also experience sleep problems,
feel alienated from reality, or easily startled. Other behaviors
they may experience include the inability to show affection;
have difficulty maintaining an interest in things they used
to enjoy; or they may feel irritable, more aggressive, and
even violent.
Memories of the trauma can be very distressing
for them, and can lead them to avoid certain places or situations
that bring back those memories. Anniversaries of the event
are often difficult as well.
PTSD affects approximately 6% of the population,
and women are more likely than men to develop this condition.
It can occur at anytime, including childhood.
PTSD often co-occurs with depression, substance
abuse, and panic
disorder.
PTSD is diagnosed only if the symptoms last for
more than a month. For those who develop PTSD, symptoms usually
begin within three months of the event, and the course of illness
varies from individual to individual. Occasionally, this condition
doesn’t show up until years after the event.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be successfully
resolved.
For more information on Anxiety
Disorders.
For more information on Anxiety
Symptoms.
For more information on Anxiety
Attacks.
For more information on Anxiety.
With effective treatments today, including good
self-help information and therapy, anyone can return to normal
health from PTSD. |
