6/27/2103

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can occur when people experience a traumatic event.  PTSD can affect anyone – from service men and women returning from the horrors of war to abused children and the survivors of rape, domestic violence, or natural disasters.

June is PTSD Awareness Month, which serves as an important opportunity to recognize and pledge ourselves to year-round support for the millions of Americans who are working to overcome this challenging and debilitating condition.

PTSD can result in sleep problems, irritability, anger, recurrent dreams about the trauma, intense reactions to reminders of the trauma, disturbances in relationships, and isolation.  The effects can last for months or even years, and the disorder may not surface until years after the traumatic events that triggered it.

Fortunately people can recover from PTSD – especially if they receive treatment and support from family, friends, and their communities. Effective treatments such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, peer support programs and approved medications can help people manage and overcome PTSD, and go on to live healthy, productive lives.

Source: Department of Health and Human Services

Available at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/06/20130627a.html