Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
By Jay Johnson

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is caused by an extreme traumatic event or experience that causes intense fear, helplessness or horror.  This event causes chemical reactions in the brain as well as physical and behavior symptoms.  People with PTSD have symptoms from three symptom groups:

o Re-Experiencing
o Avoidance/Numbing
o Hyper-Arousal

Symptoms may include any of the following:

* Re-Experiencing

o  Frequent upsetting memories of event
o  Repeated dreams of event
o  Feeling that event is happening again
o  Strong emotional and/or physical pain when reminded of event

* Avoidance/Numbing

o  Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations about event
o  Avoiding activities, people or places that remind you of event
o  Not being able to remember important details of event
o  Not enjoying activities you once did
o  Feeling detached from friends and family
o  Emotional numbness
o  Believing that important life events such as marriage, parenthood, and growing old will not be met

* Hyper-Arousal

o  Problems sleeping
o  Angry outbursts
o  Problems concentrating
o  Being overly alert
o  Easily startled

Some physical complaints may include:

o Stomach pains
o Breathing problems
o Headaches
o Muscle pain
o Back pain
o Cardiovascular problems

PTSD is a serious medical condition and getting better is a serious challenge.   It generally happens a little at a time.  People respond to a therapy that uses a cognitive behavioral approach.  Sometimes medications such as anti-depressants also help.