- Post Traumatic Stress Disorderby HAL 9000Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs as a result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The condition can develop after a person has experienced an event such as military combat, sexual assault, physical assault, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or background.