This disorder can affect anyone who has survived a severe and/or unusual physical, emotional, or mental trauma. Abused children, raped individuals, witnesses to a violent auto accident, participants or observers of killing and/or war, or survivors of a life-threatening crime or event may develop this disorder.

Some victims find themselves re-experiencing the traumatic events through nightmares, night terrors, or flashbacks. Others numb themselves emotionally, startle easily, are plagued by general anxiety, are unable to sleep, develop a poor memory, have difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, or feel guilty about their own survival. This disorder is often misdiagnosed, as a good psychosocial history of the individual is necessary in order to get a clear history of past events. Many individuals are embarrassed or ashamed about these past events and are hesitant to disclose the terrible information.

Treatment from PTSD is usually more successful when psychotherapy, behavior modification and medication are used together.

Symptoms of PTSD are:

• Dreaming, day dreaming or thinking of the traumatic event(s) to the point that it diminishes the ability or perform daily activities routinely
  
• Unexplained physical ailments that continue even with treatment
  
• Feelings of guilt, shame, rage, or anger with no understanding of the emotion
  
• Uncomfortable feeling around certain people, places, or events
  
• Poor memory of childhood or past events
  
• Feelings of distance from people or life events
  
• Feelings of being "zoned out" or not really "being there"
  
• Flashbacks (snapshots) of traumatic event(s)
  
• Social withdrawal, or risky and rebellious behavior and life-style
  
• Unable to achieve close and intimate relationships
  
• Feelings of anxiety, depression, or panic that persists
  
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts