Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that
can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave
physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger
PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters,
accidents, or military combat.
People with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories
of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they
were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or
numb, or be easily startled.
Effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder are available,
and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people
with PTSD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare,
NIMH clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations.
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