Post-traumatic stress disorder
Introduction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an Generalised anxiety disorder disordercaused by very stressful,frightening or distressing events.
Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.
They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia , and find concentrating difficult.
These symptoms are often severe andpersistent enough to have a significant impact on the persons day-to-day life.
It's often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life as this can affect a child's development.
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Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 6 Dec 2016
Introduction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.
Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a single very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or after a prolonged traumatic experience.
Treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are psychotherapy or medication.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD may be diagnosed in people who have repeatedly experienced traumatic events, either as a child or an adult.
"I had three or four flashbacks a day"
In some exceptional cases, the vivid recollection of a trauma can cause distress many years after the incident. Andy, an ex-fire officer, describes his
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