Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or traumatic event. The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. Symptoms may include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations/people/places that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood. People with PTSD behaviors may experience agitation, irritability, hostility, hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation. Their psychological experience may be flashbacks, fear, severe anxiety, or mistrust. Their moods may experience loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, or loneliness. They may experience insomnia, nightmares, or both. It is common for them to have emotional detachment or unwanted thoughts. Treatments include different types of trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms.