What Is Post Traumatic Stress?

By kyle

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After experiencing a terrifying event, an individual can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. This mental health condition is characterized by a number of intense feelings and uncontrollable thoughts. These are usually related to a particular event but can be more general in nature.

Learn more about the common causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for PTSD. Whether you believe you or someone you know may have this condition, it’s important to seek professional treatment options to restore daily life and prevent further episodes that may be shocking, terrifying or troubling.

1. What is PTSD?

PTSD typically occurs after a particularly terrifying event. This mental health condition is common among soldiers after combat, but terrorist attacks, natural disasters, rape and serious accidents can also cause these symptoms. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of this condition and that an individual can be living with PTSD even if they haven’t experienced direct combat or other war-time situations.

The most common signs of PTSD are heightened “fight-or-flight” responses. Individuals experience flashbacks or sudden feelings that they are under attack. The resulting emotions and actions can vary dramatically depending on the individual and the situation. These responses could result in feelings of stress, fear, anger or other powerful emotions.