Amanda Pun

English 113
Professor Lacey
06 February 2014
Greys Anatomy
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may occur when a
person experiences or witnesses an event perceived as a threat and in which he or she
experiences fear, terror, or helplessness (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Gale Encyclopedia
of Medicine). These traumatic events may be due to natural events (ex. natural disasters) or
manmade events (ex. shootings). The symptoms of PTSD are grouped into three clusters:
persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event, persistent avoidance of reminders, and
persistent symptoms of increased arousal (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder International
Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family). Re-experiencing of the event occurs as flashbacks,
traumatic daydreams, or nightmares; these memories are triggered by stimuli that remind the
patient of the traumatic event and are wordless, meaning they only contain images and
sensations (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine). For someone to
be diagnosed with PTSD, the symptoms must last for at least one month. Symptoms may
develop within three months of exposure to the traumatic event. PTSD symptoms tend to be
evident at home, work, or school and in interpersonal relationships (Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family).
PTSD not only affects those diagnosed with this disorder, but also those that surround
these patients, including co-workers, friends, and family. PTSD causes patients to suffer from
significant social, interpersonal, or work-related problems. These social problems include

feelings of disconnect, even from loved ones. (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Gale
Encyclopedia of Medicine).
Many characters in Greys Anatomy have been affected by PTSD throughout the seasons,
but the character that depicts PTSD to the greatest extent is Owen Hunt. Owen Hunt, a trauma
surgeon who joined the hospital staff after returning from war in Iraq, suffers from severe PTSD
and demonstrates all the symptoms stated by the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine and
International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family. Owens re-experiencing of the events
occurs as flashbacks and nightmares; the television show depicts these re-experiences accurately
since they contain no words and are triggered by a stimulus (Owens stimuli include the rotating
ceiling fan and the propellers of helicopters). These re-experiences cause Owen an immense
amount of distress, causing him to react violently physically, not just mentally. Owens nervous
system is constantly aroused and he tries to combat this by distracting himself with work.
However, his hyperarousal causes him to be easily irritated and startled, making work difficult.
There were many instances where Owens increased irritability lead to panic attacks at work.
Owen Hunts most prominent representations of PTSD occur in the presence of his
significant other, Cristina Yang. When Owen is aware and conscious of his actions, he is loving
and caring towards Cristina. In contrast, when he has no control over his actions, like during
nightmares, he becomes violent. Owen wakes up one night to find that he is choking Cristina
after having a nightmare; his disgust towards himself after realizing what he did solidifies the
idea that he is not in control of his behavior at times due to this disorder. Owens constant state of
hyperarousal and emotional fragility poses problems for his relationship with Cristina because he
fears for her safety. Despite this, Owens symptoms of avoidance cause him to refrain from
talking about his trauma. Owen and Cristina seek help from a therapist who urges Owen to speak
to Cristina about his traumas.