Most of these people are able to return to leading a normal life. However, the stress caused by trauma can affect all aspects of a person s life, including mental, emotional and physical well-being. Research suggests that prolonged trauma may disrupt and alter brain chemistry. For some people, a traumatic event changes their views about themselves and the world around them. This may lead to the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
People respond in different ways to extreme trauma.
Many people who experience extreme trauma do not develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. However, for those who do, symptoms usually appear within several weeks of the trauma, but some people don t experience symptoms until months or even years later. Children can suffer this disorder as much if not more than adults. They have the same exposure and sensitivities and thus may have some early and delayed results. They may re-live the event through recurring nightmares or other images that occur at any time.