Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety problem that develops in some people after extremely traumatic events, such as combat, crime, an accident or natural disaster.
People with PTSD may relive the event via intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares; avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma; and have anxious feelings they didn’t have before that are so intense their lives are disrupted.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
- Helping families cope with PTSD
Psychologists study ways to address PTSD in the context of relationships.
News
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Experts: Vets' PTSD, violence a growing problem
January 17, 2012, CNN
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Back from war, fear and danger fill driver’s seat
January 10, 2012, The New York Times
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Respiratory illness, PTSD appear linked in 9/11 workers
December 30, 2011, ABC News
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Fewer veterans with PTSD using anti-anxiety drugs
December 16, 2011, Reuters
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Warrior suicides
May 2010
- The psychologist in Baghdad
February 2010
- Expanding care for service members and their families
December 2009
- Writing about wounds
October 2009
