Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

**Semantic type:** Mental or Behavioral Dysfunction

**Definition:** An anxiety disorder precipitated by an experience of intense fear or horror while exposed to a traumatic (especially life-threatening) event. The disorder is characterized by intrusive recurring thoughts or images of the traumatic event; avoidance of anything associated with the event; a state of hyperarousal and diminished emotional responsiveness. These symptoms are present for at least one month and the disorder is usually long-term.

**Synonyms:** - Combat Neurosis - PTSD - PTSD - post-traumatic stress disorder