Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, “is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances” (Taylor-Dessir, 2022). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an event such as danger, harm, or even the death of a family member, friend, or loved one can lead to the development of the disorder (2022). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be developed by any individual of any age and even though it's uncommon, the disorder is not always developed (NIMH » Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2022). “According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives” (NIMH » Post-Traumatic …show more content…
Generally, within three months of a traumatic experience signs and symptoms of the disorder begin to develop, but in some cases they take longer to emerge (NIMH » Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2020). Depending on the individual and the situation, a variety of different symptoms may be presented and may also vary over …show more content…
In order to be diagnosed with the disorder, an individual must have the following symptom category requirement for at least one month: at least one intrusive memory (re-experiencing) symptom, at least one avoidance symptom, at least two negative changes in thinking, cognition, and mood symptoms, and at least two changes in physical and emotional reactions (arousal and reactivity) symptoms (NIMH » Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2020). The first category is intrusive memories which may include flashbacks, distressing memories that are unwanted and recurrent, and nightmares (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and Causes, 2022). These symptoms cause emotional stress and feel as if the traumatic past event is being re-experienced (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and Causes, 2022). Avoidance, which is presented as avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger thoughts of the event, plus attempting to avert thoughts and discussion about the situation, is the second category (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and Causes, 2022). The next group of symptoms involves negative changes in thinking and mood. Feeling emotionally numb, detachment from family and friends, lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions are common symptoms of