condition name:
post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
condition information:
Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that some people develop after being involved in (or witnessing) something traumatic. The condition was first seen in war veterans and has been given various names, such as shell shock.
When something traumatic happens to you, your body and mind can react in different ways. For some people, post-traumatic stress disorder develops. This is an anxiety disorder that often involves the person reliving the event through flashbacks and nightmares. These flashbacks can be triggered by everyday items and scenarios, making day-to-day living difficult.
After a traumatic event, some people will experience initial symptoms that are associated with PTSD, such as difficulty sleeping or feeling numb. For many, these symptoms will naturally disappear after a few weeks. If the symptoms last longer than a month, however, someone may be diagnosed with PTSD.
