Nicam, somehow I missed this in your original post
permanent damage to our chemical neurotransmitters or something
but wanted to tell you I know what you are talking about here and I agree. I think maybe it is the "psychic" trauma we experience when confronted with what these sick people do that does the damage, and that the damage changes a person. For good. I have had symptoms of PTSD since my "awakening" from being in a relationship with an alcoholic addict. Whether or not it really is PTSD, who knows?
Thanks for sharing.