post-traumatic stress disorder

[ pohst-truh-mat-ik stres dis-awr-der, -traw- ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. a mental disorder occurring after an extremely distressing, stressful, or frightening event, and characterized by symptoms such as reliving the event, avoidance of anything that is a reminder of the event, withdrawal from social interactions or previous activities, and an increase in feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, shame, or guilt. : PTSD

post-traumatic stress disorder

noun

1. a psychological condition, characterized by anxiety, withdrawal, and a proneness to physical illness, that may follow a traumatic experience PTSD

Word History and Origins

Origin of post-traumatic stress disorder¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

It’s something important to study and understand for the many people living with both alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder.

From Slate

The court also heard Le Gresley now believed she had post-traumatic stress disorder from the videos.

From BBC

Miss Lawrence said he had been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, after nearly being stabbed to death in Southampton a year earlier.

From BBC

He needed several skin graft surgeries and was left with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as needing ongoing physiotherapy.

From BBC

Mr Justice Hilliard said the teenager had been seen by "an awful lot" of medical experts, including multiple psychiatrists, but there had been no "secure diagnosis" of post-traumatic stress disorder made.

From BBC