Basic information description A person's response to a stressful life event (sometimes called a stressor) is out of proportion to what would be a normal reaction. The person is unable to adjust, and this causes problems in both social and work (or school) situations or other functions of daily living. frequent signs and symptoms Symptoms or behavior changes occur within three months of onset of the stressor. They last no more than six months after the end of the stressor. Symptoms vary...