Post+Traumatic+Stress+Disorder

Destiny and Richelle = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D) =

=~Post traumatic stress disorder is a medically recognized anxiety disorder that can develop in anyone after they have been exposed to extremely stressful situations. =  ~ Generally seen in victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, survivors of natural disasters, dramatic events such as terrorist attacks, and soldiers returning from a war zone. ~ It is not genetic or common in families. ~ Public perception is it is relatively new and a mostly mysterious mental illness. Many people doubt that it even exists. ~ Treatments include individual, group therapy or medication.

__** Symptoms **__:
~ Repeatedly reliving the trauma in thoughts or nightmares ~ Strong startle response ~ Avoidance of reminders of the trauma ~ Emotional numbness, or loss of interest ~ Difficulty feeling affectionate ~ Increased aggressiveness, or even violence ~ Irritability ~ Mood Changes ~ Difficulty concentrating ~ Sleep problems

__** Causes: **__
~ Life threatening trauma ~ Experiencing a severe accident or being apart of one ~ Life threatening injuries ~ Life threatening medical diagnosis ~ Victim of kidnapping or torture ~ War combat ~ Natural or other disasters ~ Terrorist attacks ~ Rape ~ Mugging, robbery, or assault

**__Sources:__** __Post Traumatic Stress Disorder__ by Peggy Thomas __Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Diseases and Disorders__ by Scott Barbour "From the traumas of combat, rape, and abuse come knowledge" (power point) by www.careforthetroops.org