Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may develop after witnessing a deeply distressing or disturbing experience, or after experiencing a serious injury. PTSD can also develop after a threat of death or serious injury, even if no one was physically harmed. Most people will experience anxious reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD.
An individual suffering from PTSD may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Feelings of guilt, depression, or worry
- Nightmares and difficulty sleeping through the night
- Frightening thoughts
- Avoidance
- Staying away from places, experiences or things that are reminders of the events
- Chronic and sudden flashbacks of the traumatic incident
- Losing interest in activities that were enjoyable in the past
- High-level agitation and startle
- Feelings of anxiety
- Angry outbursts
Risk factors of PTSD are characterized by individual experiences. Anyone at any age can be subject to PTSD after experiencing or being exposed to a highly traumatic event. Victims of abuse, war veterans, victims of natural disasters or fatal accidents are those who may be at risk. Contributing risk factors include genetics, or brain chemistry. Individuals who have experienced long-term stress, chemical imbalances, or a first-degree family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders may have an increased risk of PTSD.
PTSD is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Unfortunately, many people suffering from PTSD do not seek treatment because of their desire to avoid anything that triggers their symptoms, including talking about their traumatic experiences.