Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of several conditions known as an anxiety disorder. It can occur in persons of any age, including children. Post-traumatic stress disorder may be triggered by an external factor or factors. It’s symptoms can include the following: nightmares, emotional detachment, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, clinical depression, and anxiety. Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the event, although a delay of months or years may occur before symptoms appear. Post-traumatic stress disorder is thought to be primarily an anxiety disorder and should not be confused with normal grief and adjustment after traumatic events. It is occasionally called post traumatic stress reaction to emphasize that it is a result of traumatic experience rather than a manifestation of a pre-existing psychological condition. Traumatic events that may trigger post traumatic stress syndrome include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

People who have been victims of previous trauma are also at greater risk. Post-traumatic stress syndrome is defined in terms of the trauma itself and the person’s response to the trauma. Trauma occurs when a person has experienced, witnessed, or been confronted with a terrible event that is an actual occurrence. Post-traumatic stress syndrome also can affect rescue workers at the site of mass casualties or other tragedies. People who have anxiety, depression or other mental disorders are more likely to develop PTSD. Both drugs and psychotherapy can be helpful. The most effective treatment approaches are called “cognitive-behavioral” because they focus both on the way traumatized persons view the trauma and on their resulting behavior.

Causes of Post traumatic stress syndrome

The common causes and risk factor’s of Post traumatic stress syndrome:

• Previous exposure to trauma.
• Having family members with post traumatic stress syndrome.
• Changes in the natural chemicals in your brain.
• Survivors of natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes.
• Violent assaults such as rape.

Symptoms of Post traumatic stress syndrome

Some sign and symptom related to Post traumatic stress syndrome are as follows:

• Poor relationships.
• Headaches.
• Being easily startled or frightened.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Occupational instability.
• Memory disturbances.
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much.

Treatment of Post traumatic stress syndrome

• Several forms of therapy may be used to treat both children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Which form is best for you depends on your symptoms and situation.
• Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy used to treat post-traumatic stress syndrome.
• Anti-depressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine have been found to be effective in treating post traumatic stress syndrome.
• Anti-anxiety medicines may be useful, but some types, such as benzodiazepines, can be addictive.
• Two medications, sertraline and paroxetine, have been approved for the treatment of post-traumatic stress.