What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Q: What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
A: PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop when people experience something extremely upsetting or are severely harmed.
Q: How is PTSD different from traumatic stress and combat stress reaction?
A: PTSD is different from traumatic stress, which is less intense and shorter, and combat stress reaction, which happens to soldiers in wartime situations and usually goes away.
Q: What are some other names that PTSD has been recognized as in the past?
A: PTSD has been recognized in the past by different names, like shell shock, traumatic war neurosis, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).
Q: When is the term shell shock mostly used?
A: Today, the term shell shock is mostly used for such conditions, in connection with World War I.
Q: Is PTSD a modern phenomenon?
A: No, PTSD is not a modern phenomenon. Throughout history, there have been many accounts of people experiencing symptoms of what is now called PTSD.
Q: Can you provide an example of someone who experienced symptoms of PTSD before modern times?
A: Yes, Samuel Pepys is an example of someone who experienced symptoms of PTSD before modern times. He witnessed the Great Fire of London in 1666 and experienced great fear of fire for months afterwards.
Q: Is it common for people who have experienced a traumatic event to develop PTSD?
A: No, not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD, but it is important for those who do to seek help and support.
