The essential feature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the development of a characteristic set of symptoms following exposure to an extremely stressful event.

Typical symptoms of PTSD include:

• Distressing memories of the event
• Recurrent disturbing dreams of the event
• Re-experiencing the traumatic event, such as reliving the event, or having hallucinations, illusions, or flashbacks about it
• Intense distress when exposed to situations similar to the event
• Avoidance of situations resembling the event
• Trouble recalling aspects of the trauma
• Feelings of detachment
• Increased anxiety
• Exaggerated 'startle' response

Many types of traumatic events can trigger PTSD, including personal injuries, experiencing threats, witnessing accidents, or even learning about violence or threats to significant others. In PTSD, the person usually feels intense fear, helplessness, or horror at the unfolding situation.

One medication has been approved for PTSD and several other investigational medications are being studied for use in this condition. Summit Research may employ an approved medication in comparison to investigational drugs in studying PTSD.

PTSD Checklist / Apply for Study