Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event, such as sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions, child abuse, or other threats on a person's life. Symptoms may include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress to trauma-related cues, attempts to avoid trauma-related cues, alterations in how a person thinks and feels, and an increase in the fight-or-flight response. These symptoms last for more than a month after the event. Young children are less likely to show distress but instead may express their memories through play.

Causes

The cause of PTSD is not entirely understood. Risk factors may include a history of trauma, a history of mental health issues, or a history of abuse. It is also possible that certain genes may make some people more likely to develop PTSD than others.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the presence of specific symptoms following a traumatic event. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder in the ICD, but in the DSM, it is classified as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder.

Treatment

Treatment for PTSD may involve psychotherapy, medication, or both. Most people with PTSD recover completely with appropriate treatment, but recovery can be slow and incomplete in some cases.

See also

• Complex post-traumatic stress disorder
• Trauma model of mental disorders
• War veteran

References

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External links

• National Institute of Mental Health - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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