Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Topic Guide

There are many types of depression such as clinical depression, major depression, seasonal affective depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. There are a variety of depression medications, and their effectiveness may vary from patient to patient. Examples of the types of depression medications include atypical antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy.

It is common for patients diagnosed with cancer to feel shock, fear, helplessness, or dread, any of which could lead to cancer-related post-traumatic stress. The symptoms for cancer-related PTS and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are similar, but most cancer patients don't go on to develop full PTSD.

Grief is our personal experience of loss. Mourning is a public expression of our grief. Bereavement is the period after a loss during which mourning occurs (usually a relatively brief time) and grief is experienced (often for a much longer time).

Nightmares occur from time to time in many children, but they are most common in preschoolers (children aged 3 to 6 years) because this is the age at which normal fears develop. Practicing good sleep hygiene and other strategies can help eliminate nightmares.

Panic attacks are episodes of extreme anxiety that are usually accompanied by chest pain. Panic attack symptoms and signs include chest pain, nausea, sweating, palpitations and shaking. Panic disorder is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy.

Suicidal thoughts may be brought about by a sudden, negative change in life circumstances, substance abuse, or even sleep deprivation. Suicidal thoughts are troubling, particularly if they're accompanied by substance abuse or depression. If you or someone you know is considering suicide and are unsure how to deal with it, call a suicide hotline, like 1-800-SUICIDE, to get help.

Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance reactions and panic attacks are all hallmarks of post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental condition some people develop after experiencing painful, shocking or terrifying events.