Post traumatic stress disorder is a disease that haunts our soldiers in this day and age. Even with the latest technology and treatments that our generation offers, the lasting effects that this disorder leaves veterans dealing with is so painful that many times these veterans will cope by using alcohol and later abusing it. The first step in understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and alcoholism is knowing exactly what theses disorders are and how much we actually know about them. There have been several findings of diary entries that describe the symptoms of PTSD ranging from Egyptian and Greek soldiers to Henry IV. Having written proof of this disorder in soldiers who fought so long ago shows the “Nostalgia” was the first term used to label the symptoms of PTSD and was used by the Swiss military physicians in 1678. The term was used to label symptoms like disturbed sleep or insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, cardiac palpitations, and fever. Even at this point in time, these issues were being seen primarily in soldiers who have gone to war and returned home. Several countries who were involved in war, like France and Spain, report having their soldiers return with these symptoms. With the start of a new and improved war tactic, the Civil war brought about a new wave of PTSD symptoms and victims. This disorder was now being recognized in soldier but was being seen as a weakness. In screenings for soldiers, doctors were asked to test their likeliness to have these mental breakdowns. As time went on, war became more prevalent and World War I brought a new term into play, “Shell Shock.” This term was used because at the time they believed that the shells had such a strong and powerful effect that caused a concussion that ... ... middle of paper ... ...September 28). Ptsd how does trauma affect relationships>. Retrieved from http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/8023/ptsd-how-does-trauma-affect-relationships Veterans statistics: Ptsd, depression, tbi, suicide. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.veteransandptsd.com/PTSD-statistics.html Bentley, S. (2005, March/April). A short history of ptsd. Retrieved from http://www.vva.org/archive/TheVeteran/2005_03/feature_HistoryPTSD.htm Ptsd and problems with alcohol use. (2007, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/ptsd-alcohol-use.asp Ptsd frequently asked questions. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/ptsd-frequently-asked-questions.html Post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml