In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association added PTSD to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) nosologic classification scheme. PTSD diagnosis has filled an important gap in psychiatric theory and practice. The key to understanding PTSD is the concept of trauma. According to the DSM-III PTSD was conceptualized as being a catastrophic stressor outside the range of normal human experiences. While most people exposed to traumatic events do not develop PTSD, others go on to develop the full-blown syndrome. Like pain, the traumatic experience is filtered through cognitive and emotional processes before it can be appraised as an extreme threat. Some causes of PTSD are family and relationship
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Prior to this time, it was believed that prolonged reaction to a traumatic event was due to pre-existing personal weakness (McFarlane, 1990; Tomb, 1994).” (PTSD Cambridge Handbooks of Psychology) .“Highly stressful events have been identified that can cause people to experience symptoms of PTSD. Typically, these events involve life threat or otherwise compromise victims’ sense of safety and control.”(PTSD Cambridge Handbooks of Psychology). “Not all of those exposed to traumatic stressors develop PTSD afterwards. In fact, most do not. Other variables, including childhood trauma, early separation from parents, abnormal adolescent development, pre-existing personality disorders (e.g. depression and anxiety disorders), or family history of anxiety may make some people more susceptible to developing PTSD(Astin et al., 1995; Brady et al., 1994; Green et al., 1990a). Factors that precede exposure to traumatic factors and interactions among past, present and anticipated events appear to be important as well (Breslau et al., 1991; Hendin et al., 1983; Holloway & Ursano, 1984).” (PTSD Cambridge Handbooks of Psychology). The existence of a valid syndrome occurring as a consequence of severe stress can not be questioned. These include the interplay between physical and psychological components, the complex interaction between the severity and duration of the stressor and the ego strength and coping mechanisms of the individual who is
Prior to this time, it was believed that prolonged reaction to a traumatic event was due to pre-existing personal weakness (McFarlane, 1990; Tomb, 1994).” (PTSD Cambridge Handbooks of Psychology) .“Highly stressful events have been identified that can cause people to experience symptoms of PTSD. Typically, these events involve life threat or otherwise compromise victims’ sense of safety and control.”(PTSD Cambridge Handbooks of Psychology). “Not all of those exposed to traumatic stressors develop PTSD afterwards. In fact, most do not. Other variables, including childhood trauma, early separation from parents, abnormal adolescent development, pre-existing personality disorders (e.g. depression and anxiety disorders), or family history of anxiety may make some people more susceptible to developing PTSD(Astin et al., 1995; Brady et al., 1994; Green et al., 1990a). Factors that precede exposure to traumatic factors and interactions among past, present and anticipated events appear to be important as well (Breslau et al., 1991; Hendin et al., 1983; Holloway & Ursano, 1984).” (PTSD Cambridge Handbooks of Psychology). The existence of a valid syndrome occurring as a consequence of severe stress can not be questioned. These include the interplay between physical and psychological components, the complex interaction between the severity and duration of the stressor and the ego strength and coping mechanisms of the individual who is