an Introduction to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by the memory of an extremely traumatic event in a person's life. Survivors of events such as rape, torture, natural disasters, vehicular accidents, or death camps are the most vulnerable. Witnessing something mentally distressing such as the death of a friend or the murder of a child can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder cover a wide range of manifestations, but all of them generally have a negative effect on the sufferer. People with post-traumatic stress disorder may constantly relive the harrowing event/s in their mind, leading to anxiety, exaggerated reactions, muscle tension, diarrhea, nightmares, and insomnia. Sufferers also have hard time concentrating on their tasks; thus the disorder affects their job performance and social functions.

A few characteristics of a post-traumatic stress disorder are the following:

Having flashbacks and/or dreams of the traumatic event. Most post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers relive the distressing or offending event. They may have sudden visions, images, and thoughts that are beyond their power to control.

Becoming upset at anything or anyone related to the traumatic event. Anything that might be connected to the traumatic event becomes a trigger for anger, fear, or loss of conscious control. For instance, the sight of knife might induce a panic attack on the part of a child who witnessed a brutal murder.

A lack of interest in previously important activities. A PTSD sufferer may lose all interest in goals, activities, or hobbies that were previously important to him. A preoccupation with the traumatic event may take up the PTSD sufferer's time and energy.

A hopeless outlook for the future. A post-traumatic stress disorder sufferer may conclude that life has no meaning for him after the traumatic event; thus he may lose all interest and hope for the days ahead. He may develop suicidal tendencies.

A sense of estrangement from other people, especially family and friends. A post-traumatic stress disorder sufferer may feel that no one can understand him and the pain that he is going through. He may withdraw from his social contacts and choose to be alone.

If you have been involved in a traumatic event and are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, please seek professional help. Psychotherapy is very helpful to those suffering from all types of anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder included.