Post-traumatic stress

Post-traumatic stress
An anxiety disorder that develops in some individuals who have had major traumatic experiences. The person is typically numb at first but later has symptoms including depression, excessive irritability, guilt (for having survived while others died), recurrent nightmares, flashbacks to the traumatic scene, and overreactions to sudden noises. Post-traumatic stress became known in the 70s due to the adjustment problems of some Vietnam veterans. It was first listed as a diagnostic category by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. Although the name "post-traumatic stress" was new, the condition was not. It was known as "shell shock" in World War I and "battle fatigue" during World War II.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • post-traumatic stress — noun Post traumatic stress is used before these nouns: ↑disorder …   Collocations dictionary

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — [pōst′trô mat′ik] n. a condition characterized by recurring and, often, disabling symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc., that later affects some persons who have experienced a traumatic event or situation, esp. combat * * * Psychological reaction …   Universalium

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — [pōst′trô mat′ik] n. a condition characterized by recurring and, often, disabling symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc., that later affects some persons who have experienced a traumatic event or situation, esp. combat …   English World dictionary

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — post traumatic stress dis.order n [U] medical PTSD a mental illness which can develop after a very bad experience such as a plane crash …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — post traumatic stress dis,order noun singular or uncount MEDICAL a mental illness caused by having or seeing a very frightening experience, for example fighting in a war …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder — A common anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Family members of victims also can develop the disorder. PTSD can occur in people of any age,… …   Medical dictionary

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — (ˈ)pōs(t)ˌ… noun also post traumatic stress syndrome : a psychological reaction that occurs after a highly stressing event (as wartime combat, physical violence, or a natural disaster) and is usually characterized by depression, anxiety,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — noun a mental disorder occurring after a traumatic event which is outside an individual s normal experience, characterised by such symptoms as withdrawal, depression, an inclination to relive the traumatic experiences, and a sensitivity to sudden …  

  • post-traumatic stress disorder — noun Date: 1980 a psychological reaction occurring after experiencing a highly stressing event (as wartime combat, physical violence, or a natural disaster) that is usually characterized by depression, anxiety, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares,… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • post-traumatic stress syndrome — noun see post traumatic stress disorder …   New Collegiate Dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”