Symptoms

Those affected react to a traumatic event with feelings of intense fear, horror or powerlessness. Later, if their former equilibrium is not restored, they may re-live the traumatic event over and over in nightmares, flash-backs, intrusive thoughts. They may have the impression of no longer being able to express their emotions as before, feel that life no longer makes sense, that they are no longer the same person. They feel detached from others, unable to feel emotions such as tenderness or sexual desire. Consequently, they avoid all situations that could remind them of the event and make every effort to avoid talking about it. Almost always in a state of constant alert, they feel irritable, are easily startled, sleep badly and have difficulty concentrating.