What is post-traumatic stress disorder and how many Gulf War veterans are suffering from it?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder commonly diagnosed in individuals exposed to extraordinary stress or trauma, such as that associated with military combat. Symptoms include agitation, disturbed sleep and mood swings. PTSD has been diagnosed in a number of Gulf War veterans, but this disorder accounts for less than 5 percent of all illnesses diagnosed in Gulf War veterans participating in the VA registry.
