
Researchers don't know why some people get PTSD and others don't. What causes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? In some cases, the PTSD symptoms may start later on. They feel stressed and frightened long after the trauma is over. In time, most people recover from this naturally. It causes changes in your body such as the release of certain hormones and increases in alertness, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. This is your body's way of helping to protect itself from possible harm. The fear triggers a "fight-or-flight" response. It's normal to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. For example, the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one can also cause PTSD. But sometimes the event is not necessarily a dangerous one. The traumatic event may be life-threatening, such as combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that some people develop after they experience or see a traumatic event. What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
