First recognized in soldiers returning from battle, PTSD is also known as shell-shock and battle fatigue. This anxiety disorder is a common response of people who have been exposed to extreme violence, such as assault and rape.
Posttraumatic stress disorder can take several forms:
Posttraumatic stress response, an early form of PTSD, may go almost unnoticed. Rape victims sometimes develop generalized fears associated with the rape. Fear of being alone or going out after dark can keep you from participating in your normal activities. You may become afraid of all men or find it hard to trust or be intimate with anyone.
Posttraumatic stress disorder develops when these symptoms persist. If left untreated, anxiety can turn into full-blown depression.
Two of the most common signs of PTSD are insomnia and severe nightmares. You might relive the assault over and over; flashbacks and nightmares may be so strong that you actually seem to be experiencing the event. You may become obsessed with the encounter and what could happen if you see the rapist again.
Panic attacks can accompany PTSD. They usually occur in response to a specific stimulus, such as a frightening environment. Your fear may make you hyperventilate and may even convince you that you are dying. Relaxation exercises and other coping techniques, such as deep breathing, can help you control the panic attacks. A number of medications, including several antidepressants and certain anti-anxiety drugs, may also provide relief.
