The root of the disorder is a traumatic event which implants itself so firmly in the mind that the person may be shackled by the pain and distress of the event indefinitely, experiencing it again and again as the mind stays connected with the past rather than the present, making it difficult to think of the future. Research on this topic is all rather recent, yet the disorder is quite common, threatening to control and damage the lives of approximately eight percent of the American population [5% of men and 10% of women].

Any person is a potential candidate for developing PTSD if subject

An example from the internet tells about a 33-year-old nurse named Mary who suffered severe trauma in the weeks following an attack in her apartment by an intruder who raped her at knife point (Criterion one). In the weeks after the attack Mary suffered from an immense fear of being alone in her apartment (the second criterion), and preoccupied with the attack, she feared it could happen again. Her worry developed into an obsession with protection and she installed numerous locks on all her windows and doors. Eventually Mary became so overly preoccupied with the attack that she could no longer go out socially or even return to work (Criterion three and five). She became repelled by the idea of sex. Her associated behaviors encompass criterion four.

Lastly, symptoms of each category must show significant affect on the person's social/vocational abilities or other important areas of life. This appears to be an unavoidable effect if a person is in fact experiencing the symptoms listed. All of these symptoms must persist for at least one month.

From a historical perspective, the concept of PTSD made a significant change in the usual stipulation that the cause of a disorder could be outside of the self, rather than some inherent individual weakness. There are many situations that may lead to developing PTSD, including: "serious threats to one's life or well being, or to children, spouse or close friends/relatives; sudden destruction of home or community; and witnessing the accidental or violent death or injury of another" (Internet). Characteristic symptoms include re-experiencing the event, avoidance of stimuli associated with the event or numbing of general responsiveness, increased arousal not present before the event, and duration of the disturbance for at least one month (Johnson).

Forth, there are random associated symptoms including insomnia, irritability, hyper vigilance and outbursts of rage. The natural surprise inhibitor may be dulled and the patient is easily surprised or upset by unexpected stimuli.

When a bomb exploded at the Oklahoma Federal building in 1996, hundreds of lives were affected. Not only are the people who were in the explosion in danger of re-experiencing it over and over, but so are the people who witnessed the aftermath, from bystanders to the rescue workers on scene. The surviving employees were not only physically injured in the blast, but also saw the deaths of their coworkers and children. Surviving a horrific trauma that many others did not is enough to cause serious emotional harm. Many of the rescue

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