Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may occur in people who experience or witness intense violence, serious accidents, or life-threatening situations. And frequently involvement in these situations will make people feel hopeless, fearful, horrified, and overwhelmed.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- "Reliving" the traumatic event through thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares (Flashbacks can be triggered by anything that causes a memory of the trauma. For example, a war veteran might experience a flashback after seeing a low-flying helicopter)
- Experiencing a rapid heart beat and sweating while "reliving" the traumatic event
- Feeling numb
- Feeling emotionally detached from other people
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Avoidance of anything associated with the trauma
- Anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Amnesia
- A strong response when shocked
- Extreme vigilance - Always feeling "on guard"
- Difficulty working
- Difficulty with social situations
- Inability to properly care for loved ones
The onset of symptoms usually occurs within three months of the incident, but may not occur for several years.
PTSD can affect people of any age.
PTSD is highly treatable with a combination of drug therapy and psychotherapy.
If you or someone you know may have PTSD, please get help immediately. Make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist as soon as possible so you can be evaluated and receive treatment.
For More Information
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Email the Center
PTSD Information Line(802) 296-6300