Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Hurricane Katrina

All who viewed the horror caused by Hurricane Katrina could see the reactions of terror, paralysis, loss, and grief. For those who lived through the event itself, these same symptoms are often continued as the survivor relives the horror over and over again. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological and physical reaction to a stressful event that any of us might face, whether we live through it or just witness it repeatedly on television. But emotional distress differs from posttraumatic stress disorder. Why do some persons suffer more extensively? How do you tell when someone has PTSD? How can you help? The lessons learned in the aftermath of this terrible natural disaster may be applied to many other situations for patients or providers alike.