This disorder is developed in response to an unexpected emotional or physical trauma that could not be controlled. DSM-IV-TR includes the words “actual or threatened” in describing the traumatic events that may trigger PTSD. People who have fought in wars, who have been raped, or who have survived violent storms or violent acts are examples of those who are susceptible to suffering from this disorder. Police, fire, and rescue personnel are at risk for PTSD when they see victims of violence and destruction whom they cannot help. The assault on the United States during the attacks on the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and the passengers and crew on the ill-fated flight in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, has brought new attention to the condition of post-traumatic stress disorder. The horror of witnessing tragedy such as this now reaches anyone with a television or internet. People countries away are able to experience tragedy in “real time.” Certainly those citizens who were on the scene and attempting to save lives saw destruction the likes of which most of us, hopefully, will never experience directly. They and their families are dealing with the post-traumatic effects of that day for some time to come. Think for a moment where you and your families were on that day. Think about the things you felt and shared with each other at that time. Magnify that as you think about “what if I was the one standing on that side-walk watching people die or jump from those buildings, wanting to help and knowing I couldn’t?” Maybe. Realistic? Yes. And just a very slight taste of the intensity of the fears and flashbacks people with PTSD experience.