What Is Post-Traumatic Stress?

For some people, frightening memories of a terrible event can resurface months or even years after the ordeal. In reliving the event, people become fearful and unable to cope with daily life. Mental health experts call this post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder.

“One of the biggest myths about post-traumatic stress is that it occurs most often in war veterans,” says Esther Giller, M.A., president of the Sidran Institute, an organization that helps people who have experienced traumatic life events. “In fact, women are most at risk, especially those who have experienced interpersonal violence, such as rape, or domestic abuse as children or adults.”

Others who are more likely to develop PTSD include:

• Children who are neglected or abused

• Survivors of terrible accidents, fires or natural disasters

• Emergency response workers, such as police, firefighters and medical professionals

• Victims or veterans of war

Telltale symptoms

People with PTSD feel anxious and hyper-alert, “like their life is out of control,” says Ms. Giller. “They know something is wrong, but they often don’t connect what they’re feeling now to a traumatic event in their past." In an attempt to feel safe, they withdraw emotionally from others.

Other signs of PTSD include:

• Frequent nightmares, flashbacks or other vivid memories of the event

• Being unable to recall parts of the event

• Avoiding any reminders of the event, including people, places, thoughts or activities

• Feeling constantly on guard or edgy

• Difficulty sleeping

The most effective treatment for PTSD is a combination of professional counseling and medication. Because people with this condition tend to isolate themselves, “family members play a vital role in encouraging victims to get the help they need. With treatment, people can feel better very quickly,” says Ms. Giller. Talking with a family doctor or mental health professional is a good place to start.

For more information, visit the National Center for PTSD Web site, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.