PTSD
PTSD Symptoms
People with PTSD may have “flashbacks” in which they relive the traumatic event again and again through nightmares and unbidden memories during the day. During a flashback, someone may suddenly lose touch with reality and relive images, sounds, smells and other sensations from the trauma. It may feel like the event is happening all over again.
Because of their extreme anxiety about the event, they try to avoid anything that reminds them of it. They may seem emotionally numb, detached, irritable, and easily startled. They may feel guilty about surviving a traumatic event that killed other people.
Other symptoms include trouble concentrating, depression, and sleep difficulties. Symptoms of the disorder usually begin shortly after the traumatic event, although some people may not show symptoms for several years. If left untreated, the disorder can last for years.
Post-traumatic
stress disorder can severely disrupt one’s life. Besides the emotional pain of
reliving the trauma, the symptoms of the disorder may cause a person to think
that he or she is “going crazy.” In addition, people with this disorder may have
unpredictable, angry outbursts at family members. At other times, they may seem
to have no affection for their loved ones. Some people try to mask their
symptoms by abusing alcohol or drugs. Others work very long hours to prevent any
“down” periods when they might relive the trauma. Such actions may delay the
onset of the disorder until these individuals retire or become sober.
"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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