Mental or Behavioral Dysfunction
posttraumatic stress disorder
post·trau·mat·ic stress dis·or·der
Subclass of:
Stress Disorders, Traumatic
Also called:
PTSD
Definitions related to post-traumatic stress disorder:
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(posttraumatic stress disorder) Acute, chronic, or delayed reactions to traumatic events such as military combat, assault, or natural disaster.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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A prolonged reaction to a traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause crippling anxiety and leading to other problems, such as sleep disturbances, depression, and substance abuse. Often referred to as PTSD.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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An anxiety disorder precipitated by an experience of intense fear or horror while exposed to a traumatic (especially life-threatening) event. The disorder is characterized by intrusive recurring thoughts or images of the traumatic event; avoidance of anything associated with the event; a state of hyperarousal and diminished emotional responsiveness. These symptoms are present for at least one month and the disorder is usually long-term.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as military combat, violent assault, natural disaster, or other life-threatening events. Having cancer may also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms interfere with day-to-day living and include reliving the event in nightmares or flashbacks; avoiding people, places, and things connected to the event; feeling alone and losing interest in daily activities; and having trouble concentrating and sleeping.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that some people develop after they experience or see a traumatic event. The traumatic event may be life-threatening, such as combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. But sometimes the event is not necessarily a dangerous one. For example, the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one can also cause PTSD. It's normal to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. The fear triggers a "fight-or-flight" response. This is your body's way of helping to protect itself from possible harm. It causes changes in your body such as the release of certain hormones and increases in alertness, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. In time, most people recover from this naturally. But people with PTSD don't feel better. They feel stressed and frightened long after the trauma is over. In some cases, the PTSD symptoms may start later on. They might also come and go over time. Researchers don't know why some people get PTSD and others don't. Genetics, neurobiology, risk factors, and personal factors may affect whether you get PTSD after a traumatic event. You can develop PTSD at any age.MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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(stress disorders, post-traumatic) A class of traumatic stress disorders with symptoms that last more than one month.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recurring, intrusive recollections of an overwhelming traumatic event; recollections last > 1 month and begin within 6 months of the event. The pathophysiology of the disorder is incompletely understood. Symptoms also include avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event, nightmares, and...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a pathological anxiety that usually occurs after an individual experiences or witnesses severe trauma that constitutes a threat to the physical integrity or life of the individual or of another person. Brain structures associated with the body�s reaction to fear and stress can be seen in...WebMD, 2019
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event - either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop following exposure to 1 or more traumatic events such as deliberate acts of interpersonal violence, severe accidents, disasters, or military action. According to DSM-5, it is characterized by 4 types of symptoms: intrusions (e.g., flashbacks, intrusive images and sensory impressions,...Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional condition that sometimes follows a traumatic event, particularly an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious bodily injury to oneself or others and that creates intense feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror. The symptoms of...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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