Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a psychiatric disorder that can take place following the involvement or observing of a life threatening event. PTSD has long since existed since trauma but was brought to attention during early war periods. In 1678, “Swiss military physicians were among the first to identify and group behaviors of PTSD” (Zagata). Many military physicians witnessed emotionally stressed soldiers and dismissed it as cowardice. It wasn’t until 1905 when the Russian army connected the mental breakdown and anxiety of war, and consider it a real condition.
Those Diagnosed
According to the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veteran Affairs, and Sidran Institute “Nearly 70% of U.S. adults have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives—equating to approximately 223.4 million people” (PTSD United). Out of that, 20% of these people develop PTSD. It has been assessed that one out of nine women develop this disorder, which makes them twice as likely as men. PTSD can happen to anyone, from early childhood to older age.
Symptoms …show more content…
There are three types of symptoms that people go through including experiencing the event again through flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of distress that can lead to increased heart rate and nausea. The second indicator is avoiding actions that reminds one of the trauma—dodging going to certain places, isolating oneself from everyone, and losing interest in activities and life. The last symptom is having increased anxiety and or emotional arousal. This includes troubled sleeping, hypervigilance, and being easily startled. There are also people who start substance abuse, feel guilt or shame, suicidal thoughts and