Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from a
person experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
(e.g. major accident, fire, sexual assault, physical assault
and military combat). In the USA the lifetime prevalence
is about 5% in men and 10% in women. Women
also suffer higher rates of sexual assault.
There are three main symptom clusters: intrusive
recollections (thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks);
avoidant behavior, numbing of emotions and hyperarousal
(increased anxiety and irritability, insomnia,
poor concentration); and hypervigilence. Nearly two-thirds of people with PTSD are ‘chronic’ sufferers. PTSD can present months or years
after the traumatic event. It is also highly comorbid
with other psychiatric problems, especially depression, anxiety and substance abuse or dependence.
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