Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that's triggered by your memories of a traumatic event — an event that directly affected you or an event that you witnessed.

The disorder commonly affects survivors of traumatic events, such as sexual assault, physical assault, war, torture, a natural disaster, an automobile accident, an airplane crash, a hostage situation or a death camp. In addition, the affliction can affect rescue workers at the site of an airplane crash or a mass shooting or can affect someone who witnessed a tragic accident.

Not everyone involved in a traumatic event experiences post-traumatic stress disorder. The disorder is twice as common in women as it is in men.

Treatment may involve a combined approach including medications and behavior therapies designed to help you gain control of your anxiety.

Risk factors

The severity of the traumatic event and how long the event lasted appear to be factors in the development of this disorder. Other factors that may increase the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder include:

• A previous history of Depression or other emotional disorder

• A previous history of physical or sexual abuse

• A family history of anxiety

• Early separation from parents

• Being part of a dysfunctional family

• Alcohol abuse

• Drug abuse

When to seek medical advice

It's normal to undergo a wide range of feelings and emotions after a traumatic event. The feelings you experience may include fear and anxiety, a lack of focus, sadness, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, or bouts of crying that come easily. You may have recurrent thoughts or nightmares about the event. If you have these disturbing feelings for more than a month, if they're severe or if you feel you're having trouble getting your life back under control, consider seeing your doctor or a mental health professional.