(Dr. Annie Tanasugarn) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined as a fear-based disorder with several features necessary for a formal diagnosis which include: avoidance behaviors, re-experiencing, increased arousal and negative affect and/or cognition.1 Avoidance behaviors may include avoiding people, places or situations that could be emotionally ‘triggering’ of a traumatic event. For example, some veterans may avoid amusement parks or festivities that have fireworks or excessive noise as it may cause flashbacks or anxiety.