Post-traumatic stress disorderIllness definition: Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as "PTSD", is classified as an anxiety disorder in which a person has experienced a stressful event in the past such as war, rape or physical and emotional abuse (Schiraldi, 2009). The DSM-V states that witnessing, being involved in, or knowing a family member or friend who experienced such an event can result in post-traumatic stress disorder and involves a response of intense fear, helplessness, or horror. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals who have suffered from PTSD experience episodic memories of the dangerous events they had to endure and tend to avoid anything that might remind them of the event (Schiraldi, 2009). Symptoms: According to Peggy Thomas, "to be diagnosed with PTSD, a patient must exhibit three types of symptoms: recurrent symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance symptoms (2008). A person may endure flashbacks of the tragic event or of trauma (Thomas, 2008). Any sound, smell or sight can trigger bad memories where the person may start to feel bad and panic (Thomas, 2008). post-traumatic stress disorder may demonstrate characteristics of avoidance behaviors that may remind them of the traumatic experience they had to go through (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). An example of this: if a person has been involved in a traumatic car accident, they may feel unsafe driving a car and may refuse to get into the car (Thomas, 2008). For a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms of hypervigilance may arise in which he or she may be on guard, feeling alert and always on edge (Schiraldi, 2009). They may display characteristics of paranoia, looking over their shoulder... middle of paper......and provides a high quality service that would address and help Irene's problems. The team at this center would help Irene reintegrate into society and develop recreational activities or hobbies that she lacks. This would keep his mind occupied and develop a positive and refreshing attitude which can help prevent his frequent relapses from re-experiencing. References American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Post-traumatic stress disorder. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.Chowdhury, U., & Pancha, A. (2011). Posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. Community Practitioner, 84(12), 33-35. Schiraldi, G. R. (2009). The PTSD Handbook. (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.Thomas, P. (2008). Post traumatic stress disorder. Detroit: Thomson Gale.