Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that a person may develop after being exposed to a terrifying event or ordeal in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened. Events that may trigger PTSD include: violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger. They may have flashbacks, nightmares, and frightening thoughts. They may also avoid places, events or objects that remind them of the traumatic event. Some people may feel emotionally numb, while others are edgy. People with PTSD may also have feelings of guilt and worry, lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed, or have trouble remembering the traumatic event.

The most common treatments available for people with PTSD are psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), medications, or a combination of the two. Some people may need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms. If there are co-occurring disorders or problems - such as substance abuse, or depression - or if the person is in an abusive relationship, all of the problems need to be treated. It is important to work with an experienced mental health care provider who specializes in treating people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

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