Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is often thought of as a relatively recent phenomenon, and is usually associated with combat veterans. However, the truth is that this disorder has been around for many centuries and exists even in ancient documentation. Nor does an individual have to have experienced war to suffer from this disorder, though war is a prime trigger for it.

PTSD can occur from virtually any traumatic incident, whether in childhood or adulthood. These include violent personal assaults (rape or physical abuse), childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, traumatic accidents, or natural disasters. Terrorist attacks have also, unfortunately, become a more well-known trigger for post traumatic stress.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress

Not all people who suffer from PTSD display the same symptoms. However, the symptoms of PTSD can include any or all of the following: sleep difficulty and insomnia, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, and feelings of detachment. Often, those with PTSD experience feelings equally as traumatic as the event itself, in effect ÒrelivingÓ the incident over and over.

Individuals with post traumatic stress need to begin receiving therapy as soon as possible to overcome this condition. If not, the disorder can make it very hard for them to live happy, normal, and functional lives. Left untreated, PTSD can lead to other serious problems such as alcohol and drug addictions, memory loss, and other mental problems. Physical problems can also develop. Persons with untreated PTSD also tend to suffer from general instability in their life relationships, from marital troubles to difficulty maintaining employment.