PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder. However, it is not the same as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). PTSD occurs in some individuals following exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor or dangerous event or may even occur when one's integrity or the life of another is threatened. Although it is natural to experience fear when in danger, seriously traumatic events or threats can induce fear and anxiety related to the event for months or years thereafter. Examples of events that could trigger PTSD include:

• Combat or military exposure

• Child sexual or physical abuse

• Terrorist attack

• Being mugged or physically attacked, or held at gunpoint

• Being diagnosed with life-threatening illness, or learning that one's child is being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness

• Sexual or physical assault

• Serious accidents, such as an automobile accident

• Natural disasters, such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake

• Witnessing a horrible accident to a relative or friend or witnessing their death

• Torture

• Rape

After such an event, typical feelings are intense fear, confusion, or anger. If these symptoms begin to disrupt one's ability to lead life normally, it may result in PTSD. It is not clear why some people develop PTSD and others don't. It can occur at any age, including childhood. There also might be a delay of months or years before symptoms appear in some individuals. About half of people who develop PTSD will experience a reduction or resolution in symptoms within three months of the traumatic event. Others have symptoms persisting longer than 12 months that may come and go for years. Symptoms of PTSD may be triggered with reminders of the original traumatic event. Factors that may play into the development of PTSD include:

• How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted

• If you lost someone you were close to or you were hurt in the event

• How close you were to the event

• How strong your reaction was

• How much you felt in control of events

• How much help and support you received after the event

Common behaviors in and individual suffering with PTSD include avoiding situations that remind you of the event, feeling numb, having difficulty feeling positive or loving feelings toward other people, avoiding relationships, losing interest in activities that one previously enjoyed, feeling keyed up, suddenly becoming angry or irritable, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, easily startled when surprised, drinking or drugging problems, feelings of hopelessness, dreams about the traumatic event, employment problems, relationship problems, and physical symptoms .