Many people have compulsive behaviour, but it is only when it begins to interfere with daily activities and relationships that it becomes a serious disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorders often start in adolescene or early adulthood and may be linked to other mental health problems, such as depression. Events which may trigger PTSD include serious accidents, violent attacks, abuse and war. Often emergency staff suffer from PTSD as a result of dealing with trauma. They may experience extreme distress, including unexpected flashbacks to the event, nightmares, depression, detached feelings, trouble being close to members of their families, irritability and mood swings and even feelings of violence.
Symptoms usually begin within three months of the trauma, but sometimes they start many years later.
Sometimes they only last for a short period, but they may be long-lasting if no help is received. Medication such as antidepressants or anxiety-reducing drugs can treat symptoms like depression and insomnia and therapy can help with coming to terms with the trauma. Often people with PTSD suffer from other related anxiety disorders.