What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a group of symptoms that interfere significantly with an individual’s ability to function in daily life, socially and occupationally. While it is normal to experience many different reactions to traumatic events such as rape, war, and car accidents, when the reactions last for more than one month, an individual is considered to have PTSD.

Individuals who are affected by PTSD have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event where threatened or actual death or significant injury could have resulted from the event (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). In addition, the individual felt scared, helpless, and/or fearful during the traumatic event. For instance, a woman who was sexually assaulted may have felt terrified about what the assailant would do to her. She was likely fearful he would injure or kill her during or after the assault. Or perhaps a man witnessed his brother’s car flipping multiple times, causing serious injury to his brother. It is likely the man felt completely helpless and fearful in this situation.

In addition, individuals who suffer from PTSD re-experience the traumatic event. Some individuals with PTSD re-experience the event in nightmares. Others experience significant physiological or psychological distress when presented with something that reminds them of the trauma. For instance, a woman who has been sexually assaulted may have a panic attack when she smells a vanilla candle because a vanilla candle was burning in the room in which she was assaulted. Still, other individuals with PTSD may feel as if they are actually re-experiencing the event, a phenomena usually called a flashback (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).