What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs as a response to experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. The condition is characterised by the persistent re-experiencing of the event (e.g. in nightmares or as flashbacks), resulting in numbness, avoidance, and hyper-arousal. These symptoms can lead to a significant impairment of the patient’s daily life.
What Causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- PTSD is caused by experiencing, witnessing or being confronted by war, natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults like rape
- Risk factors include prior exposure to trauma and pre-existing anxiety or depression
What Cures Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- The onset of PTSD may be prevented by initiating assessment and treatment as soon as possible after the traumatic event
- PTSD is usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy
