What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks of past traumatic events, as well as avoiding reminders of trauma, being overly alert, and experiencing sleep disturbances, all of which result in significant social, work-related, and interpersonal issues.
According to research conducted by the National Center for PTSD, about 7% of veterans will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives, with a higher prevalence among female veterans at 13%. In contrast, the general population experiences PTSD at a rate of 6%.
PTSD symptoms include:
- Unwanted upsetting memories
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders
- Physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders
- Trauma-related thoughts or feelings
- Trauma-related reminders
- Inability to recall key features of the trauma
- Overly negative thoughts and assumptions about oneself or the world
- Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
- Negative affect
- Decreased interest in activities
- Feeling isolated
- Difficulty experiencing positive affect
- Irritability or aggression
- Risky or destructive behavior
- Hypervigilance
- Heightened startle reaction
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping