It is imperative to respect and recognize the fundamental differences between General post-traumatic stress disorder (found in the civilian population) and Combat post-traumatic stress disorder. General PTSD is experienced by infants, children, adolescents and adults in civilian environments, while Combat PTSD is experienced by military personnel, private military contractors, employees of NGOs, medical staff and administrative staff in combat environments or environments where armed conflict is prevalent.
Although both general PTSD and combat PTSD survivors experience trauma, the reactions, symptoms and responses differ according to the nature of the traumatic event experienced.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder which is triggered by a traumatic event. PTSD presents itself when a person has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening situation, extreme fear(terror), shock or horror.
PTSD symptoms may present themselves most often within 3 months of the traumatic event. Some cases of PTSD only present themselves years or decades after the original event.
