Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. A diagnosis of PTSD requires exposure to an upsetting traumatic event such as an abusive childhood or family, war/combat, natural disaster, or being victim to a violent crime. It can also occur as a result of repeated exposure to horrible details of trauma such physical & emotional abuse in families, a car accident or even by constantly listening to current events on television.

PTSD can occur in all people, in people of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and any age. PTSD has been reported by 4 percent of adults, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD mostly due to abuse. Most cases go misdiagnosed and unreported because of lack of awareness & shame.

People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and may feel detached or estranged from other people.

There are currently many types of therapy available for PTSD. Neuroscience in trauma research is now widely understood and more awareness has helping bring this issues to the forefront of society. Currently, more studies are being introduced to study how trauma is currently impacting our world today.

More Info: www.mayoclinic.org