Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

While it is natural to be fearful in a dangerous situation and while you may have short-term after-effects from an incident, a trauma should not lead to fear, apprehension and behavioral changes months after the event. If it does, you may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress disorder. One afflicted with PTSD will feel stressed and afraid months after the danger is over. It affects outlook, behavior and personal relationships. PTSD can happen to anyone at any age. PTSD can potentially occur after experiencing any of the following:

• Being a victim of or seeing violence.
• Living through the death or serious illness of a loved one.
• Participating in war or combat.
• Being involved in car accidents and plane crashes.
• Being a victim of hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires.
• Being a witness to a violent crime.

When does PTSD start?
PTSD starts at different times for different people. Signs of PTSD may start soon after a frightening event and then continue. At other times it may have a delayed onset.

How is PTSD Treated?
Treatment may include "talk" therapy, medication, or both. The type of treatment will be determined after psychiatric assessment.