Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling condition related to trauma
with associated nightmares, sleep disturbance, intrusive memories, anxiety and
arousal, hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and problems with
work and social function. PTSD affects about 15% of individuals affected by a
major trauma. In about half of cases, PTSD will go away on its on, but in some
situations it can have lasting effects on the individual.

There are a number of resources available for the trauma survivor, and some treatments
that have been shown to affect brain function. In addition, currently
research is being conducted on the
bases in the brain for PTSD.