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M. V. Pelecis
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What is Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
From Chapter One, The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook,
by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results from exposure to an overwhelmingly stressful event or series of events, such as war, rape, or abuse. It is a normal response by normal people to an abnormal situation.
The traumatic events that lead to PTSD are typically so extraordinary or severe that they would distress almost anyone. These events are usually sudden. They are perceived as dangerous to self or others, and they overwhelm our ability to respond adequately.
We say that PTSD is a normal response to an abnormal event because the condition is completely understandable and predictable. The symptoms make perfect sense because what happened has overwhelmed normal coping responses.
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The term PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was created in 1980.
Now a new term is emerging— Vicarious Traumatic Stress Disorder, or Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Although it has not yet been acknowledged officially in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it describes what most have felt living with someone with PTSD.
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"A Guide to Surviving PTSD"
by Stephanie Laite Lanham
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