The Possibility of exposure to a traumatic event is part of the human condition. Trauma occurs in unwanted, unexpected ways and must be dealt with. Many times the exposure to traumatic event causes negative symptoms in a disorder known as Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. The American Psychiatric Association added the diagnosis of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder to the third addition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) nosologic classification scheme in 1980.
In its initial DSM-III formulation, a traumatic event was characterized as a catastrophic stressor that was outside the range of usual human experiences. The guidelines of the original diagnosis of this disorder included events such as war, torture, rape and natural disasters. We now know that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur in individuals dealing with common traumatic events seen everyday in our society such as divorce, rejection, failure, illnesses and financial troubles.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Nightmares
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder nightmares do not just appear in anyone. The individual has most likely experienced a serious traumatic event and is now reliving that event through their nightmares and flashbacks.