What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety problem. It can develop
after your safety or life has been threatened, or after you
experience or see a traumatic event. Some examples of traumatic
events are a natural disaster, rape, severe car crash or
fighting in a war. Usually, the event makes you feel very afraid
or helpless. People with PTSD have trouble coping with and
recovering from traumatic events and often feel the effects for
months or even years afterwards. See a list of resources used in
the development of this information. Written by familydoctor.org
editorial staff