Health Conditions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder that results from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, especially if the sufferer felt that their life or someone else?s was in danger. Originally, PTSD was called shell-shock or battle fatigue. It was first diagnosed in war veterans, notably the soldiers who survived the horrifying trench warfare of World War I and more recently in veterans of the Vietnam and Iraq Wars. However, PTSD is not confined only to soldiers as PTSD has been diagnosed in victims of violent crimes (e.g. mugging or rape) and survivors of an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack.

PTSD cannot be diagnosed unless symptoms last for at least one month, cause great emotional distress, and interfere significantly with the sufferer?s life. A typical PTSD symptom is reliving the traumatic event thru nightmares and disturbing recollections of the event. Often, these ?flashbacks? are accompanied by intense feelings of fear, helplessness, and horror as the PTSD sufferer ?relives? the event. PTSD sufferers often experience sleep problems and depression while also being prone to outbursts of anger or irritability. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and have trouble feeling affectionate.

PTSD can occur at any age, including childhood. Depression, substance abuse, or anxiety can accompany the disorder. While many people experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, PTSD does not afflict every person who experiences a trauma. Those who are affected usually have symptoms within three months of the event, but there have been cases where the condition has only appeared years later.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.