PTSD

A psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to traumatic events, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal responses including hypervigilance and exaggerated startle. In accessibility and technology design, PTSD is relevant because affected individuals may have specific environmental needs — such as clear exit routes, predictable interactions, and control over their surroundings — that technology can either support or undermine. Telepresence robots, virtual reality, and other immersive technologies can trigger PTSD symptoms if they create unpredictable sensory experiences or reduce the user's sense of control.