Recognizing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The symptoms of PTSD can surface as early as three months following the traumatic event or in rare cases, years later. Intrusive memories include flashbacks, bad dreams and frightening thoughts signaling the presence of this disorder. A person may relive the trauma for several minutes or for days at a time. Physical symptoms such as sweating or a racing heart rate can accompany the flashbacks and distressing thoughts or dreams. These symptoms can be initiated by words, objects or situations that remind the person of the traumatic event.