What is PTSD?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is defined as “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.
”PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, symptoms don't always appear right away. In fact, it's possible for symptoms to appear several days or even months after a traumatic event.
”PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, symptoms don't always appear right away. In fact, it's possible for symptoms to appear several days or even months after a traumatic event.
It’s estimated that about 3.5% of adults in the U.S. are affected by PTSD and women are twice as likely to experience symptoms than men.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of PTSD generally fall into 4 categories, but the severity and time of onset can vary greatly from person to person. The categories are:
Intrusive Thoughts
Vivid flashbacks, repetitive and involuntary memories, and nightmares
Avoidance
Evading any person, place, object, or activity that induces memories of the traumatic event
Negative Thoughts/Feelings
Feelings of detachment from loved ones, reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, distorted/exaggerated beliefs about oneself or others, fear, anger, guilt, or embarrassment
Arousal/Reactive Symptoms
Hypervigilance, easily startled, trouble concentrating, irritability, reckless/self-destructive behavior