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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), More than Just Anxiety

After exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which the individual was exposed to extreme personal danger, an anxiety disorder by the name of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD can develop. Possible traumatic events leading to PTSD include but are not limited to, personal assaults like rape or mugging, accidents, military combat, or natural or human caused disaster. PTSD is an anxiety disorder and though there is an entirely different section on anxiety disorders listed below, we felt there was enough information on this disorder for it to be discussed independently.

	Quick Facts			People with PTSD

	Symptoms			Treatment

	Research

An individual experiencing PTSD can live a normal and regular life depending on the severity of the disease. There is no set behavior pattern. The severity of the trauma and the environment the individual is in after the event occurs can have some bearing on an individual's reaction or response, but there is no way to clearly state how an individual with such a disorder will behave.

Who Is Most Likely to Develop PTSD?

People having suffered abuse as children or who have had previous traumatic experiences are more likely to develop the disorder. Research is continuing to pinpoint other factors that may lead to PTSD. At one point it was believed that people who tend to be emotionally numb after a trauma were showing a healthy response, but now researchers believe that these people are more prone to develop PTSD.

When Does PTSD First Occur?

PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than 1 month. PTSD can develop at any age, including in childhood. Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of a traumatic event, although occasionally they do not begin until years later. Once PTSD occurs, the severity and duration of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others suffer much longer.

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