Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
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What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by feelings of distress or anxiety even when the individual is no longer in danger of the terrifying event (e.g., physical and sexual assault, abuse, natural or human-caused disaster, accidents, military combat). They experience at least one symptom from each of four categories:
1) reliving or re-experiencing the trauma (e.g., flashbacks, bad dreams, frightening thoughts of trauma)
2) avoidance (e.g., avoid places, events, objects, thoughts that are reminders of the experience)
3) negative changes in mood or thoughts (e.g., unable to remember part of the event, negative beliefs about self, persistent negative emotions, reduced interest in activities, feeling estranged from others, inability to experience positive emotions)
4) increased anxiety or hyperarousal (e.g., sleep problems, irritability, concentration problems, easily startled, tense or “on edge”)
Many people with PTSD also experience strong feelings of shame, guilt, anger, despair, and worry due to the trauma.
PTSD in Children
PTSD can occur in children of all ages. It may be exhibited as irritability, crying, bad dreams (without specific or recognizable content), repetitive play in which themes or aspects of the traumatic event are evident, reenactment of the traumatic event in their play, behavioral outbursts or temper tantrums.
Treatment
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy (aka prolonged exposure) are found to be the most effective treatment for PTSD.
Learn More
Listen to this podcast or read about the interview with Dr. Edna Foa (expert on PTSD) on the nature and treatment of PTSD. For veterans, visit the National Center for PTSD.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by feelings of distress or anxiety even when the individual is no longer in danger of the terrifying event (e.g., physical and sexual assault, abuse, natural or human-caused disaster, accidents, military combat). They experience at least one symptom from each of four categories:
1) reliving or re-experiencing the trauma (e.g., flashbacks, bad dreams, frightening thoughts of trauma)
2) avoidance (e.g., avoid places, events, objects, thoughts that are reminders of the experience)
3) negative changes in mood or thoughts (e.g., unable to remember part of the event, negative beliefs about self, persistent negative emotions, reduced interest in activities, feeling estranged from others, inability to experience positive emotions)
4) increased anxiety or hyperarousal (e.g., sleep problems, irritability, concentration problems, easily startled, tense or “on edge”)
Many people with PTSD also experience strong feelings of shame, guilt, anger, despair, and worry due to the trauma.
PTSD in Children
PTSD can occur in children of all ages. It may be exhibited as irritability, crying, bad dreams (without specific or recognizable content), repetitive play in which themes or aspects of the traumatic event are evident, reenactment of the traumatic event in their play, behavioral outbursts or temper tantrums.
Treatment
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy (aka prolonged exposure) are found to be the most effective treatment for PTSD.
Learn More
Listen to this podcast or read about the interview with Dr. Edna Foa (expert on PTSD) on the nature and treatment of PTSD. For veterans, visit the National Center for PTSD.