What is posttraumatic stress disorder?
Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder directly and explicitly a result of a traumatic incident in the person’s past. It is common among torture victims, victims of sexual assault, and those who have served overseas with the military. It may begin immediately after the experience, or much later. Many people with PTSD experience difficulty sleeping, irritability, emotional numbing, and/or depression. Not everyone exposed to traumatic events will develop PTSD since many other factors, such as genetics, are involved.
