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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an intense emotional and psychological response to a recent or past traumatic event. A traumatic event is life-threatening and very disturbing or stressful; PTSD can develop after a person has lived through or seen this kind of event, such as rape, a natural disaster, or war.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Reliving the event through dreams (nightmares) or while awake (flashbacks).
- Not being able to feel or express emotions toward family, friends, and loved ones (emotional numbness).
- Avoiding any reminders of the event.
- Being easily angered or aroused, "on edge," or easily startled (hyperarousal).
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder includes counseling and medicines, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines.
Last Updated:
January 13, 2011- Medical Review:
- Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Jessica Hamblen, PhD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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