Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening event. According to the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, almost 8% of Americans will be affected by PTSD at some point in their lives.

While as many as 30% of all military personnel in war zones experience PTSD, the disorder is not unique to fighters on the front lines. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America estimates that 2-4% of all Americans developed PTSD after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The organization also reports that the "increasing stress of living in the 21st century, on both a global and personal level, has been sufficient to considerably elevate the numbers of people who suffer from PTSD."

What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD is triggered by a specific, traumatic experience. According to Robert Feder, MD, Medical Director of Behavioral Health Network, people who suffer from PTSD will have recurrent, distressing recollections of the event. Frequent nightmares and flashbacks are common, as are anxiety, irritability and difficulty sleeping. "People are hyper-aroused and hyper-vigilant," explains Dr. Feder.

Some people may respond by becoming emotionally numb, or develop physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system problems, dizziness, chest pain or other discomfort. Disorders such as depression and substance abuse frequently accompany PTSD.

Most people who survive a traumatic event will have some of the symptoms of PTSD in the weeks following the experience. PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than one month. Sometimes symptoms are delayed until they are triggered by a reminder of the event, such as an anniversary or replayed news coverage.

What type of events can trigger PTSD?
Any event in which a person was seriously harmed or was threatened with serious harm could trigger PTSD for victims, observers, rescuers and the victim’s family members. Terrorist acts, natural or man-made disasters, military combat, accidents and violent criminal assaults such as rapes or muggings can all lead to PTSD.

Who is most likely to be affected by PTSD?
Any person, of any age, may experience PTSD after a traumatic event. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the disorder. People who experienced child abuse or who have lived through other traumatic events are also more likely to develop PTSD. According to The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, people who fit the following descriptions tend to be at increased risk:

• Those who experienced an event of high magnitude and intensity;
• Those whose event was highly unpredictable, uncontrollable, included sexual victimization, real or perceived responsibility, and/or betrayal;
• Those with prior vulnerability factors such as genetics, early age of onset, lack of functional social support, and concurrent stressful life events;
• Those who report greater perceived threat or danger;
• Those with a social environment that produces shame, guilt, stigmatization, or self-hatred.

How is PTSD treated?
PTSD is treated through a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Medications are generally prescribed to treat the symptoms of the disorder, while psychotherapy is used to help a person talk through the trauma and gain mastery over the event. Exposure therapy, in which the person repeatedly relives the frightening experience under controlled conditions, is often part of the treatment program.

More information
Call RMC at 800-332-7998, contact your local community mental health organization, or check out the following websites:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
National Institute of Mental Health
PTSD Alliance