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Description and Symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder
INFORMATIVE 
Tags: posttraumatic stress disorder, stress syndrome, stress disorder, anxiety disorder, anxiety, suicide, impulsive behavior, symptoms
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional condition that often occurs after direct or indirect exposure to a terrifying event in which physical harm was threatened, witnessed, or actually experienced. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder usually develop within the first 3 months after the trauma, but they may not surface until months or even years have passed. These symptoms often continue for years following the trauma, or in some cases, may subside and return later in life if another event triggers memories of the trauma. In fact, anniversaries of the event can often cause a flood of emotions and unpleasant memories. Sometimes, the symptoms of the disorder are easy to identify - they often resemble the symptoms of depression. However, posttraumatic stress is not the same as depression.
| | Signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder include: |
| | sleeplessness |
| | nightmares |
| | inability to get along with others, particularly in close relationships |
| | paranoia and distrust |
| | unwillingness to discuss or revisit in any way the site of the trauma |
| | persistent, intense fear and anxiety |
| | feeling easily irritated or agitated |
| | having difficulty concentrating |
| | feeling numb or detached |
| | no longer finding pleasure in previously enjoyable activities |
| | feeling helpless or "out of control" |
| | experiencing intense survivor guilt |
| | being preoccupied with the traumatic event |
| | physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress, or dizziness |
| | suicidal thoughts, plans, or gestures
|
| | Traumatic events that can cause the disorder include: |
| | violent assaults such as rape |
| | fire |
| | senseless acts of violence (such as school or neighborhood shootings) |
| | physical or sexual abuse |
| | natural or man-made disasters |
| | car accidents |
| | military combat (this form of posttraumatic stress disorder is sometimes called "shell shock") |
| | witnessing another person go through these kinds of traumatic events |
| | diagnoses of life-threatening medical illnesses (which is now recognized by mental health professionals as a trigger for the disorder in some individuals) |
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