What is PTSD?

PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

A disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.

Symptoms may include:

• Nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma,

• Avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma.

• Heightened Reactions

• Anxiety

• Depressed Mood

• Flashbacks

• Panic Attacks

• Eating Disorders

• Cognitive delays to lowered verbal memory capacity.

• Substance abuse issues, as they attempt to self-medicate the negative effects of PTSD.

Clusters of PTSD:

DSM-5 pays more attention to the behavioral symptoms that accompany PTSD and proposes four distinct diagnostic clusters instead of three. They are described as re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, and arousal

Types of PTSD:

There are five main types of post-traumatic stress disorder: normal stress response, acute stress disorder, uncomplicated PTSD, comorbid PTSD and complex PTSD.

Is PTSD a Mental Illness:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Requires a medical diagnosis. Please see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options.