Post traumatic stress disorder, as the name suggests, is the stress developed after going through a traumatic personal experience. Post traumatic stress disorder is characterized by intense fear, helplessness and horror. In children, this may be characterized by unrecognized or agitated behavior. The common symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder includes re-experiencing of the traumatic events, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and a complete numbing of general responsiveness. A person suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, experience these symptoms persistently for a period exceeding one month. This disorder also impairs the normal social life of a person. It also disrupts his normal activities in the occupational field.

People with the post traumatic stress disorder may endure a sense of guilt, since they have survived an accident while others have perished. As they recall their past experiences, it enhances their sense of guilt. The post traumatic stress disorder may also lead to depression and other complications, which may not be curable to a large extent.

Post traumatic stress disorder may develop in a person immediately after going through a very traumatic experience. But according to research findings, it is not necessary that the disorder will develop immediately. It might take a lot of time, even a number of years, for this disorder to develop. It depends upon the person who has been through the traumatic experience and also the support he receives from family and friends.

It is very important to treat patients with post traumatic stress disorder, as early as possible, to avoid complications. Treatment of this disorder is generally done with the help of medicines, counseling and sensitizing the family and friends about the disorder.

Medicines used to treat patients with post traumatic stress disorder are generally anti-depressants, which are used to offer relief to the patients. These medicines basically calm down the nerves, so that the individuals do not become hypertensive. But mere medicines cannot cure a person completely.

Counseling sessions are very helpful for patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. In the counseling sessions, the patients are asked to relive their traumatic experience, by telling each and every detail to the counselor. The main objective of these sessions is to help the patient overcome the traumatic experience. The counseling sessions also intend to develop mental strength in the patient, so that he gets the courage to talk about the horrific experience with ease.

In treating patients with post traumatic stress disorder, family and support groups play a very important role. Their support, care and attention help the patient to recover from the trauma, very easily.