Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is an anxiety disorder which develops in response to a traumatic indecent. The stressor in this disorder is extremely harsh and may trigger feelings of intense fear arising out of a life threatening situation, demolition of one’s home (due to natural calamity, fire or war), seeing another individual disfigured or killed, being held hostage or being the sufferer of physical violence. PTSD may develop as a consequence of experiencing a terrifying event that can be threatening or may have caused physical or emotional harm.

Individuals who have been exposed to brutal life situations such as earthquakes, combat, plane crashes, road accidents, thunderstorms, explosions, avalanches, sexual assaults, physical violence, held hostages, riots or other petrifying incidents show signs of mental shock, confusion and incompetence. The symptoms and intensity by which a person is terrified often depend on the personality make up of the individual.

Symptoms of Post traumatic stress disorder:

The affected individual may have disturbing and frequent thoughts, images, recollections or repetitive nightmares about the traumatic event.

The individual may try to avoid all forms of activities associated with the traumatic incident. This may include avoiding people, places or conversations that are a reminder of the incident.

The individual may block out the memory of certain portions of the incident that are likely to induce extreme anxiety and tension.

The individual often experiences severe tension, insomnia, irritability and is unable to relax.

The individual is often unable to concentrate and may also exhibit signs of impairment of memory.

In certain cases, the individual ay become withdrawn from all social contact and loss interest in sexual drive.

Post traumatic stress disorder occurs within four weeks of the traumatic event and lasts for more than four weeks. If the symptoms begin within six months of the traumatic event, the reaction is considered to be acute. If they begin more than six months after the traumatic situation, the reaction is considered to be delayed.