Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Psychology defines post traumatic disorder as an anxiety disorder as a result of interaction with traumatic even (PTSD). Post traumatic stress disorder received mass attention during war period. Post traumatic stress disorder some how threatens a person’s physical or psychological existence.


APTSD sufferer invariably is the victim of, either rape, or accident, disaster, child abuse, torture, mugging or anything that stimulates fear complex. Let us examine the important information on post traumatic stress disorder including its prevalence, symptoms and treatment.

Prevalence: At present about 7.7million Americans adults are the victims of post traumatic stress disorder. Irrespective of age and gender it affects males and females and even in childhood. But females run a higher risk than the males.

The possibility of this disorder in women is twice than in men (104 %-5%). According to research this disorder may have been linked to genetic predisposition also. In majority of cases PTSD is overlapped with certain other conditions like depression, substance abuse and other forms of anxiety disorders.

Symptoms: As this is a personal experience a few symptoms differ from person to person. Among the common symptoms are emotional numbness, lack of interest, fear psychosis, poor quality of sleep, lack of concentration recurrent, dramatic, distressing memories flash backs, fear of personal safety for no reason, inability to explain the problem.

Many victims of this PTSD experience night mares during sleep. Only a few develop symptoms of PTSD after a traumatic incident. The problem develops slowly and steadily within three months and suddenly emerges even after long years. Even an ordinary incident can trigger out the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.

Treatment: Post traumatic stress disorder can be dealt with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication once given cannot be given up abruptly as that will lead to severe complication on time. To get the maximum effect patients of PTSD must join self help support group where many suffer from the same complication and so can easily help them.

Other different stress management techniques that are beneficial are relaxation, breathing therapy, meditation and yoga. Sensitive cooperation from family members is absolutely essential for recovery from anxiety disorder of any kind including PTSD. Offer a helping and friendly hand to any member in your family if he/she is a victim of PTSD.