78, 921. Seventy-eight thousand nine hundred and twenty-one. This is the number of soldiers injured or killed in action, amputated, or suffered traumatic brain injury during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. This figure does not include 39,365 cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (more commonly known as PTSD). (Department 2009) Although we generally think of war injuries as physical, one of the most common war injuries is post-traumatic stress disorder, and its effects can be devastating for a redeploying soldier who has been in contact with seriously traumatic experiences. is an anxiety disorder in which patients who have experienced extremely frightening, threatening, or traumatic situations show signs of avoidance and hyperarousal. The DSM IV is a book that lists all psychological illnesses and provides symptoms and definitions in order to diagnose the disorders. According to the DSM IV, “the essential characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder is the development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor.” PTSD, like all other psychological disorders, is very difficult to diagnose due to the varying severities of the illness as well as the different ways it presents within a population. PTSD has many causes, all surrounding the broader category of traumatic experiences. Veterans are the most socially recognizable PTSD patients, but the disorder can occur in survivors of accidents and disasters, as well as victims of sexual assault, including about two-thirds of prostitutes. (Myers 2004) A good metaphor used by David Myers, a psychologist, compares PTSD. to a metal spring. If the spring is stretched it will recoil......middle of paper......IMH. January 21, 2009. The web. January 4, 2010. “DSM IV Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Criteria.” Mental health today - books, communities, education. Internet. January 4, 2010. "Causes, symptoms, treatment and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by MedicineNet.com." Medicine Net, Inc. Web. January 4, 2010. "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Coping and Support - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic medical information and tools for healthy living - MayoClinic.com. April 10, 2009. The web. January 5. 2010. .