Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that is triggered by a terrifying event. This disorder is characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts related to this event that was either personally experienced or witnessed.
Most people who witness or experience a traumatic event may have temporary difficulty coping with fear and anxiety associated with the traumatic event. Still, within time and with healthy coping skills, these individuals will usually overcome their fear and anxiety. Posttraumatic stress disorder affects approximately eight to ten percent of individuals throughout their lifetime or 7.7 million American adults.