In simple words: Chronic PTSD causes long-lasting severe anxiety after a traumatic experience. Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and avoiding reminders of the trauma continue even after receiving treatment for a long time.

Chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by persistent and debilitating symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event such as sexual assault, serious accident, or military combat. Symptoms include nervousness, sleeplessness, nightmares, flashbacks, negative thoughts, anger outbursts, loss of interest in social activities, apathy, guilt, shame, increased startle response, and avoidance of trauma-related stimuli. These symptoms significantly interfere with relationships or work for an extended period, persisting even with treatment. Diagnosis is based on DSM criteria, medical history, symptoms, and a comprehensive evaluation of personal and social behaviors and physical examination. Treatment may involve medication (antidepressants, anxiolytics), psychological counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

Example 1: A veteran experiences persistent flashbacks and nightmares years after returning from combat, despite ongoing therapy and medication., An individual involved in a severe car accident continues to experience anxiety and avoids driving even after physical recovery and counseling., A survivor of assault experiences persistent emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping, and intrusive thoughts despite long-term psychological treatment.

Documentation should include the traumatic event, symptom onset and duration, impact on daily functioning, prior treatment history, and diagnostic assessment based on DSM criteria.