Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an intense emotional and psychological response to an event, either recent or in the past, that was very disturbing or stressful (traumatic). It can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as rape, a natural disaster, or war.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Reliving the event through dreams (nightmares) or while awake (flashbacks).
- Being unable to feel or express emotions toward family, friends, and loved ones (emotional numbness).
- Avoiding any reminders of the event.
- Being easily angered or aroused, "on edge," or easily startled (hyperarousal).
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder includes counseling and medicines, such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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