Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research

According to the NIMH Fact Sheet about PTSD, it is an anxiety disorder that some people develop after living through a traumatic event. Symptoms include:

• flashbacks or bad dreams;
• emotional numbness;
• intense guilt or worry;
• angry outbursts;
• feeling "on edge;" and
• avoiding thoughts or situations that remind them of the event.

These symptoms last more than one month and are treated with psychotherapy (talking to a therapist), medications, or a combination of the two.

If your teen has experienced a traumatic event and you think s/he may be experiencing PTSD, call your doctor and seek out counseling without delay.

Photo Credit: crystl