Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder
that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event or ordeal
in which actual physical or emotional harm occurred or was
threatened. Events that can trigger PTSD include violent
personal assaults, such as rape or mugging, natural or human-
caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. PTSD can be
extremely disabling. Many people with PTSD repeatedly re-
experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes,
memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when
they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma.
Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms. People
with PTSD also experience emotional numbness and sleep
disturbances, depression, anxiety, and irritability or outbursts
of anger. Feelings of intense guilt are also common. Most people
with PTSD try to avoid any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal.
PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than one month. Co-
occurring depression, alcoholabuse, substance abu