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Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) is a debilitating condition that
can develop following a terrifying
event. Often, people with PTSD have
persistent frightening thoughts and
memories of their ordeal and feel
emotionally numb, especially with
people they were once close to.
PTSD was first brought to public
attention by war veterans, but it can
result from any number of traumatic
incidents.
These include violent attacks such as mugging, rape or torture; being kidnapped or held
captive; child abuse; serious accidents such as car or train wrecks; and natural disasters such
as floods or earthquakes. The event that triggers PTSD may be something that threatened the
person's life or the life of someone close to him or her. Or it could be something witnessed,
such as massive death and destruction after a building is bombed or a plane crashes.

Whatever the source of the problem, some people with PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in
the form of nightmares and disturbing recollections during the day. They may also experience
other sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled. They may lose interest in
things they used to enjoy and have trouble feeling affectionate. They may feel irritable, more
aggressive than before, or even violent. Things that remind them of the trauma may be very
distressing, which could lead them to avoid certain places or situations that bring back those
memories. Anniversaries of the traumatic event are often very difficult.

PTSD affects about 5.2 million adult Americans.1 Women are more likely than men to
develop PTSD.7 It can occur at any age, including childhood,8 and there is some evidence
that susceptibility to PTSD may run in families.9 The disorder is often accompanied by
depression, substance abuse, or one or more other anxiety disorders.4 In severe cases, the
person may have trouble working or socializing. In general, the symptoms seem to be worse if
the event that triggered them was deliberately initiated by a person-such as a rape or
kidnapping.

Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger flashbacks or intrusive
images. A person having a flashback, which can come in the form of images, sounds, smells,
or feelings, may lose touch with reality and believe that the traumatic event is happening all
over again.

Not every traumatized person gets full-blown PTSD, or experiences PTSD at all. PTSD is
diagnosed only if the symptoms last more than a month. In those who do develop PTSD,
symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the trauma, and the course of the illness varies.
Some people recover within 6 months, others have symptoms that last much longer. In some
cases, the condition may be chronic. Occasionally, the illness doesn't show up until years after
the traumatic event.

People with PTSD can be helped by medications and carefully targeted psychotherapy.

Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger flashbacks or intrusive
images. Anniversaries of the traumatic event are often very difficult.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder