Coined in the mid-1970s after being used in a working group finding presented to the Committee of Reactive Disorders, the term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) became formally recognized in 1980. Fortunately, there is help for those living with post traumatic stress disorder.

Learning About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to an event that results in psychological trauma. PTSD is diagnosable after symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in social, professional, or other important areas of functioning.

Symptoms include are into three main categories:

–       Repeated re-experiencing of the original trauma:

Flashback episodes, recurrent frightening memories of the event, repeated dreams.

–       Avoidance

Feelings of detachment, lack of interest in any activity, feeling as though you don’t care about anything

–       Arousal:

Difficulty concentrating, outbursts of anger, difficulty sleeping

Causes of PTSD

Affecting stress hormones and chemicals carrying information between the nerves, the exact cause of PTSD is unknown.  However, it is a common belief that psychological, genetic, physical, and social factors all play a role.

Thankfully, PTSD is a disorder that is manageable by therapy. For example, studies showing cognitive-behavioral programs to have the strongest demonstrated efficacy.

Finally, if you or a loved one needs help with PTSD, Delray Center is here for you. Read more on our website about how we help individual living with a number of mental health issues.