Common Name(s):

Trauma Stress Disorder

Alternative Names & Classifications:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CLINICAL), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CLINICAL)

Description

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe psychological reaction to extreme trauma that disrupts the brain's ability to process and store memory correctly. It affects survivors of combat, abuse, accidents, and disasters, characterized by a hyperactive amygdala and underactive prefrontal cortex. The disorder leaves individuals perpetually reliving the trauma as if the danger is currently ongoing.