Information about PTSD
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event, such as:
- Sexual assault
- Childhood sexual assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Combat
- Acccidents and natural disasters (fire, earthquakes, etc.)
- Armed robbery
- Serious motor vehicle accidents
Research shows that many trauma survivors develop symptoms of PTSD immediately after the trauma. Many continue to suffer chronic reactions three or more months later.
Some symptoms of PTSD include:
- Recurrent thoughts of the trauma
- Intense feelings of fear and anxiety when reminded of the trauma
- Nightmares
- Sweating, racing heart, or hot or cold flashes when reminded of the trauma
- Avoiding situations, people, or thoughts associated with the trauma
- Feeling detached from others
- Finding it difficult to experience strong emotions (feeling "numb")
- Feeling jumpy or being easily startled