The person may feel as though they are constantly reminded of the event and cannot escape the thoughts or images of what had happened. They may be afraid to live in this world and have an unsure perspective on life. Next, there are the avoidance symptoms. Avoidance symptoms can be seen by the individual avoiding places that are associated with the traumatic event such as a city or a certain town. A certain food, sound, and even smell can trigger the symptoms. The victim or witness will have problems recalling the event, a significant lack of interest in an important aspect of their life and see their future shortened. The last symptoms in the three clusters are arousal symptoms. The arousal symptoms involve an amplified startle response, a difficulty focusing and concentrating, angry outbursts that can become violent, irritability and a disturbance of sleep (The American Psychiatric Association, 1994). In addition to the symptoms previously mentioned, there are additional symptoms that a person with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may develop.
The additional symptoms that develop are a change in the individuals perception of the outside world, a loss of contact with their own personal reality, sense of detachment or numbing, and a lack of awareness of their surroundings. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder manifest when the individual develops the previously mentioned symptoms as well as three or more of the additional symptoms. The time span of these symptoms is important to determine what type of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder an individual has. Acute Stress Disorder symptoms are present for a minimum of forty-eight hours after the traumatic event and last no longer than four weeks. When an individual possesses symptoms after a month, it indicates the onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A diagnosis of acute PTSD can be made if symptoms are presently less than three months.
