First recognized in 1980 as a disorder with specific diagnosable symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen as a condition in which people are shocked into fear of facing situations. Over the years, it was labeled "Soldier's Heart" in the post-Civil War period and "Shell Shock" during World War I. In a "fight or flight" situation, an individual is driven to flee from danger, however in PTSD this reaction is reversed, in which case the individual feels a constant threat of danger even when no danger is present danger. The person diagnosed with PTSD can be anyone, from a child to an adult. Many causes of this disorder include traumatic events, knowing someone is in danger, genetic factors, and more. Symptoms include feelings of guilt, anger, and intense memories of the experience. The individual may experience withdrawal from social activity and other human experiences. However, this can be treated with various forms of psychotherapy that can adapt to patients' needs. Additionally, there are also medications and surgical methods that patients can take, but they must be careful of side effects. Two well-known cases are Samuel Pepys and PK Philips. Pepys suffered horrible sleep and frustration after his experience with the Fire of London in 1666. PK Philips lived a childhood full of abuse. She also suffered from terrible nightmares and social rejection. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is a misunderstood anxiety disorder in which many believe it occurs immediately after a traumatic event. One of the biggest myths is that PTSD only affects veterans. It is a fact, however, that anyone can be diagnosed with PTSD, about one in 10 women in America are… middle of paper… Janet needs to feel better. A very interesting case is that of PK Philips. She had been diagnosed with PTSD due to the numerous traumatic events that inundated her life, including; a childhood filled with physical, mental and sexual abuse, as well as a knife-point attack that left her thinking she was going to die. Her mindset changed and she felt safe nowhere in this world. She was also plagued by terrible nightmares and her refusal of any outside help only delayed her recovery. Fear soon overwhelmed her: “At the age of 17, I had had my first panic attack. Soon I was unable to leave my apartment for weeks at a time, abruptly ending my modeling career. This has simply become a way of life. It was only after she learned that she had PTSD, she took medication that helped her regain her life and now she has rebuilt her career as an artist and can finally enjoy life..