A common yet often misunderstood condition, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be described as an extreme debilitating response to a traumatic event that overwhelms the mind and emotions (Helzer, Robins, & McEvoy, 1987; Long, 1997; National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 1997).

Any number of traumatic events can cause PTSD, including kidnapping, serious accident, natural disaster, violent attacks (e.g., mugging, rape, torture, or being held captive), or simply witnessing any of these events happen to another.

Individuals with PTSD are characterized by:

• Increased anxiety
• Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
• Numbing of emotions and emotional responses
                                                                    (Davison and Neale, 1998)

  à Link to "Diagnosis" & "Symptoms" for more information.

Questions?  E-mail the author: Gregory Bayse 

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