Throughout the course of history, many studies have taken place to further understand the complications of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Multiple symptoms appear in an individual suffering from this disorder, and the detailed list of symptoms can be found online at the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress, http://www.ncptsd.org/facts/disasters/fs_foa_handout.html?printable=yes. A traumatic experience produces emotions such as shock and may even cause severe emotional problems. In the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, and the novel, Catch 22, by Joseph Heller, examples of traumatic experiences are illustrated, as well as how the individual effected by this situations deals with it. By analyzing the play and the novel, an accurate idea as to whether or not Hamlet and Yossarian, from Hamlet and Catch 22, respectively, are suffering from PTSD. .
There are many common reactions to trauma, as described in the article by the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals all react differently to various scenarios, but for the most part most react in basically the same manor when faced with a harrowing event. Fear and anxiety make up a very common response to a traumatic experience. Some people have reported that they re-experience the trauma all over again, whether by nightmares or flashbacks. Another common response to trauma is increased response, also described as impatience or irritability. Avoidance is a main strategy of a person suffering from PTSD. This allows the victim to prevent further instances from happening by not allowing themselves into the same type of situation. Following a traumatic experience, one may feel angry or even irritable. Feelings of guilt and shame may appear in the individual. Perhaps the most common reaction to a traumatic situation is feelings of grief and depression. A person may feel depressed long after the incident occurred.