PTSD: Columbia University Encyclopedia Definition
Continuing to explore the various definitions of PTSD, today we'll look at what's found inside the covers of the Columbia University Encyclopedia. Other official definitions already examined in this series include those of the VA, the Army's Combat Stress Field Manual, as well as that found on the National Center for PTSD website. Seek knowledge, gain power...
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From the Columbia University Encyclopedia:post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental disorder that follows an occurrence of extreme psychological stress, such as that encountered in war or resulting from violence, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, or serious accident. The stressful event is usually followed by a period of emotional numbness and denial that can last for months or years. After that period, symptoms such as recurring nightmares, “flashbacks,” short-term memory problems, insomnia, or heightened sensitivity to sudden noises may begin. In some cases outbursts of violent behavior have been observed. The usual treatment for PTSD is individual psychotherapy, including anxiety management, or group psychotherapy with others who have the disorder. Some antianxiety and antidepressant drugs are being studied for their effectiveness.
Citation:
"posttraumatic stress disorder." The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia University Press., 2003. Answers.com 10 Mar. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/posttraumatic-stress-disorder
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