Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental disorder that can occur after a person experiences a traumatic event (National). A traumatic event refers to something disturbing or shocking that a person has seen, heard about, or experienced personally. Approximately 7.7 million adults are affected by PTSD (NIH). Symptoms of the disease will appear within 3 months of the traumatic event and, in rare cases, may not appear until years later. PTSD is grouped into 3 general groups; intrusive memories, avoidance and numbing, and increased anxiety or emotional arousal (Mayo). Intrusive memories include symptoms such as flashbacks, which can last for minutes or even days, or distressing dreams about the traumatic event. Avoidance and emotional numbing can include trying to avoid talking about the event, avoiding activities you once enjoyed, memory problems, and maintaining close relationships. Symptoms of anxiety and increased arousal may include irritability or anger, overwhelming guilt or shame, being easily startled or frightened, and hearing or seeing things that aren't there. Many events can cause PTSD, but some examples include: exposure to combat, sexual or physical abuse of a child or adult, terrorist attack, automobile accidents, or natural disasters (Domestic). PTSD symptoms come and go. There may be certain situations, certain noises that cause symptoms. Recent wars are making citizens more aware of PTSD. With all the men and women in the military and the majority going overseas to fight, they have seen things that could cause PTSD. Being shot, seeing your friends killed, or witnessing death up close are all things that can lead to disorder. ...... middle of paper ...... and it was. Children ages 5 to 12 exhibit PTSD thinking that if they pay attention, they can avoid future trauma. They don't have flashbacks or problems remembering the trauma like adults would. PTSD in adolescents ages 12 to 18 begins to resemble that of adults, but presents with more aggressive or impulsive behaviors. Treatment in children and adolescents is approximately the same as that for adults. A more useful type of therapy with children is play therapy. When they cannot deal with the trauma directly, using games, drawings, and other methods help them deal with the traumatic event. As parents, you want to carefully monitor your children and make sure nothing drastic changes in their daily lives. Watch for sleep problems, behavioral problems, and avoidance of certain people or places. You want to make sure that nothing changes at school with your friends or in academic results.