Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from experiencing, witnessing or participating in an overwhelmingly traumatic event. Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people the were once close to

 

PTSD affects about 5.2 million adult Americans (up to 10% of the population)

Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD

It can occur at any age, including childhood

In those who do develop PTSD, symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the trauma, and must last more than a month to be diagnosed

The disorder is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more other anxiety disorders. In several cases, the person may have trouble working or socializing

People with PTSD can be helped by psychotherapy and mdeication

Ordinary events can serve as reminders of the trauma and trigger flashbacks or intrusive images. Anniversaries of the traumatic event are often very difficult