Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Description
A disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is characterized by intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended.
Common Symptoms
- Intrusive Memories (flashbacks, nightmares)
- Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions (hypervigilance, being easily startled, irritability)
Common Causes
- Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event like combat, natural disaster, serious accident, or assault. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.
Treatment Information
Trauma-focused psychotherapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are highly effective. Medications like SSRIs can also help.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.