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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may follow an especially traumatic or terrifying event in a person’s life. In severe cases, PTSD can become so debilitating that a patient’s quality of life suffers. For instance, they may have difficulty maintaining a job or socializing.

Many different types of events can cause PTSD. In some cases, the trauma that causes this disorder directly impacts the person’s life, such as being shot or having an automobile accident. In other cases, the person witnesses the trauma, such as witnessing an accident or terrorist incident.

Some examples of trauma that may cause PTSD include:

• Military combat
• Rape, mugging or torture
• Being kidnapped or held hostage
• Child abuse
• Serious accidents, such as automobile accidents
• Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or hurricanes

Traumatic events do not necessarily have to be related to accidents, disasters or violence. Research has indicated that parents of children undergoing chemotherapy demonstrate symptoms related to PTSD.

It is a normal reaction for people who experience or witness such events to become depressed or anxious for a time afterward. However, people with PTSD react to these events with feelings of intense fear, helplessness or horror and they repeatedly relive the traumatic event in the form of flashback episodes, nightmares or frightening thoughts. Events or objects reminiscent of the trauma, and anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms. This emotional turmoil eventually interferes with their ability to function.