Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It primarily affects the brain and nervous system, altering how the body responds to stress. People with PTSD often have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their trauma that last long after the event has ended. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, which can interfere with daily life and relationships. The condition involves changes in how the brain processes memories and emotions, leading to heightened stress responses and difficulty feeling safe.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked changes in arousal and reactivity following exposure to a traumatic event. The core pathology involves dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and altered function of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, which mediate fear processing and memory consolidation. PTSD typically arises after exposure to life-threatening or severely distressing events such as combat, assault, or natural disasters. It is clinically significant due to its chronic course, high comorbidity with depression and substance use disorders, and substantial impact on social and occupational functioning.