Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. Department of Veterans Affairs, about six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Sometimes, learning that a friend or family member experienced trauma can cause PTSD.Īccording to the National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event.
People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger. This includes combat veterans and people who have experienced or witnessed a physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or other serious events. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD.Īnyone can develop PTSD at any age. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most people recover from initial symptoms over time. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
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