PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault. It is categorized as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder and is characterized by a range of symptoms that persist for more than one month after the traumatic event and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The symptoms of PTSD are divided into four clusters: intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. Intrusive symptoms include distressing memories, flashbacks, and nightmares of the traumatic event. Avoidance behaviors entail efforts to avoid thoughts, conversations, people, places, and activities that may trigger distressing memories. Negative alterations in cognition and mood might involve feelings of detachment, negative beliefs about oneself or the world, or persistent negative emotional states. Lastly, increased arousal and reactivity can manifest as irritability, angry outbursts, reckless behavior, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, or problems with concentration or sleep. The severity, duration, and proximity to the traumatic event are key factors influencing the development of PTSD.