What are the symptoms of post- traumatic stress disorder?
Symptoms include emotional numbness; sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, irritability, angry outbursts, and feelings of guilt. PTSD is an extremely debilitating condition often occurring after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms. Most people with PTSD try to avoid any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal. PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than one month. Once PTSD occurs, the severity and duration of the illness varies. Some people recover within six months, while others may not do so for much longer.
