Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Since the description of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the second edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II) in 1980, PTSD has become a well-established and well-researched clinical condition. DSM-5 further refined the criteria but it is not consistent with the proposed 11th version of International Classification of Diseases criteria for PTSD. PTSD is fairly common and its prevalence increases with increase in traumatic events and is associated with alcohol abuse, depression, hypertension, and diabetes. The general theory of symptoms of PTSD is that the uncontrollable state of fear persists even after the threat is gone. Recent biological research indicates that biological factors such as genetics increased activity in the amygdale, reduced cortisol, and hyperactivity of adrenergic response occur in chronic PTSD. Psychological treatment has usually been trauma-focused behavioral therapy, but it is not clear if it is necessary to focus specifically on the trauma rather than supportive therapy of current life stressors. Medicine can reduce major symptoms such as nightmares, irritability, sleep disturbances, and needs to be used with psychotherapy. Future research will provide better understanding and treatments of this often chronic disabling disorder.