PTSD: The War Within Women -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after a person experiences a traumatic event that involves the threat of injury or death. PTSD can occur at any age and can happen after an individual experiences events such as an assault; domestic abuse; a prison stay; a rape; terrorism; or war. It can also follow a natural disaster such as a flood or a fire. The cause of PTSD is not known. Researchers believe there are psychological, genetic, physical and social factors that are involved. PTSD changes the body's response to stress. It affects the stress hormones and chemicals that carry information between the nerves (neurotransmitters). Researchers do not know why traumatic events cause PTSD in some people but not in others. Having a history of trauma may increase a person's risk for getting PTSD after a recent traumatic event. (SOURCE: NIH)

SYMPTOMS: Some symptoms of PTSD may include:

Reliving the event: This may include flashback episodes; repeated upsetting memories; nightmares; or strong, uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind the person of the event.
Avoidance: This may include emotional "numbing" or feeling as though you don't care about anything; feeling detached; or being unable to remember important details of the trauma.
Arousal: This may include difficulty concentrating; being startled easily; having an exaggerated response to things that startle you; feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger; or having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. (SOURCE: NIH)

WOMEN AND PTSD: About five out of 10 women experience a traumatic event. Women tend to experience different traumas than men. While both men and women report the same symptoms of PTSD, some symptoms are more common in women than in men. Women in the military are at high risk for exposure to traumatic events, especially during times of war. Women in the military are at a higher risk for exposure to sexual harassment or sexual assault than men. (SOURCE: United States Department of Veteran Affairs)

PTSD: The War Within Women -- Research Summary Medical News and Health Information

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PTSD: The War Within Women | Medical News and Health Information