Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or (PTSD) is defined as being caused by exposure to violent events such as rape, domestic violence, child abuse, war, accidents, natural disasters and political torture. PTSD has effected thousands of people and it affects children, adults, men and women. It was thought to be a disorder of war veterans who had been involved in combat, but research studied reveals that PTSD can result in many types of trauma especially those being life-threatening. It's been called shell shock, battle fatigue, accident neurosis and post rape syndrome. PTSD has often been misunderstood or misdiagnosed even though it has specific symptoms and is a serious mental illness. Although according to a recent survey it is a rare mental illness even among Vietnam combat veterans where it is commonly associated.
The symptoms of PTSD may simply be a normal reaction to witnessing a traumatic experience. Only if the symptoms persist longer than three months it is then classified as part of the disorder. Sometimes symptoms arise months or even years later after the event. Psychiatrists categorize PTSD's symptoms in three categories: intrusive symptoms, avoidance symptoms and symptoms of hyperarousal. .
People suffering from PTSD may have episodes where the traumatic event "intrudes" in their current life. This can occur in sudden vivid memories that are accompanied by painful emotions. Sometimes the trauma is "re-experienced". .
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This is a flashback so strong that the person thinks he or she is actually experiencing the trauma again or seeing it before their eyes and at times re-experiencing occurs in nightmares. Sometimes the re-experience comes in a rush of painful emotions that have no cause. These emotions are grief that causes tears, fear or anger. Another set of symptoms is called avoidance phenomena. This affects the person's relationships with others and he or she often avoids close emotional ties with family and friends.