Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: History, Diagnosis and Pathogenesis: A Review Article (original) (raw)
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Overview
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very pervasive disorder that may result from an individual's exposure to a traumatic event. Even though the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV-TR establish that a traumatic event must exist in order for the disorder to develop, the etiology can be explained by different models of abnormality. Definition, diagnostic criteria, features of the disorder, treatment, historical and cultural contexts, and prognosis are also discussed.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic stress: from bench to bedside, from war to disaster
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2010
War is a tragic event and its mental health consequences can be profound. Recent studies indicate substantial rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and other behavioral alterations because of war exposure. Understanding the psychological, behavioral, and neurobiological mechanism of mental health and behavioral changes related to war exposure is critical to helping those in need of care. Substantial work to encourage bench to bedside to community knowledge and communication is a core component of addressing this world health need.
Symptomatology and psychopathology of mental health problems after disaster
The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 2006
A variety of reactions are observed after a major trauma. In the majority of cases these resolve without any long-term consequences. In a significant proportion of individuals, however, recovery may be impaired, leading to long-term pathological disturbances. The most common of these is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by symptoms of reexperiencing the trauma, avoidance and numbing, and hyperarousal. A range of other disorders may also be seen after trauma, and there is considerable overlap between PTSD symptoms and several other psychiatric conditions. Risk factors for PTSD include severe exposure to the trauma, female sex, low socioeconomic status, and a history of psychiatric illness. Although PTSD may resolve in the majority of cases, in some cases risk factors outweigh protective factors, and symptoms may persist for many years. PTSD often coexists with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, and with...
Biological and clinical framework for posttraumatic stress disorder
Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 2012
The study of the psychological and emotional consequences of traumatic stress has become a burgeoning and important field in psychiatric research and treatment. In fact, the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is now so frequently made that one wonders how we once got by without it. PTSD is of particular interest in the 21st century, when the entire world is filled with the specter of terrorism -a stressor of great magnitude that can strike any time and anywhere. It is also a time when we again have many young soldiers returning from yet another war: the treacherous combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Moreover, society is increasingly affected by various other types of human violence, including killing, rape, robberies, assault, as well as other psychological traumas, such as large-scale natural disasters (hurricanes, floods), man-made disasters, and train, plane and other accidents. These events can leave the individual with intense terror, fear, and paralyzing helplessness.
Posttraumatic stress disorder: future directions in science and practice
Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 2008
For nearly 30 years, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has led the scientific study of the effects of war on combatants. Beginning with the development of the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the American Psychiatric Association (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Third Edition) and World Health Organization (International Classification of Diseases) classification schemes, the VA has supported growth in the world's understanding of war, trauma, and PTSD. The growth in knowledge spans multiple levels of scientific analysis, from studies of behavioral genetics to pathophysiology, prevalence studies, treatment efficacy trials, and even effectiveness trials. In its most recent form, this progress is represented in the VA's national dissemination of evidence-based treatments for those war veterans who are grappling with PTSD and related psychological disorders. For those of us who have worked in the veterans' healthcare system for these past 30 years, the changes in scientific evidence, available clinical programming, and supportive public policy are great and deeply impressive. The present sequence of articles in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development reflects the growth and maturation of the field. Yet more knowledge on the treatment of PTSD in combat soldiers and veterans is needed urgently as we enter the sixth year of conflict in the global war on terrorism.
A Public Health Perspective of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Trauma exposure is one of the most important and prevalent risk factors for mental and physical ill-health. Prolonged or excessive stress exposure increases the risk of a wide variety of mental and physical symptoms, resulting in a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The diagnosis might be challenging due to the complex pathophysiology and co-existence with other mental disorders. The prime factor for PTSD development is exposure to a stressor, which variably, along with peritraumatic conditions, affects disease progression and severity. Additionally, many factors are thought to influence the response to the stressor, and hence reshape the natural history and course of the disease. With sufficient knowledge about the disease, preventive and intervenient methods can be implemented to improve the quality of life of the patients and to limit both the medical and economic burden of the disease. This literature review provides a highlight of up-to-date literature on...
2017
Mass fatality incidents due to terrorism are becoming more common. Addressing the mental health needs of the general population and first responders exposed to these attacks is a pressing concern. Following the 9/11 attacks, a wide range of mental and physical health outcomes were reported, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this paper is to provide a broad overview of the existing data on PTSD in civilian and responder samples following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon to provide guidance for resource planning purposes. We examine the prevalence and course of illness, including evidence on the persistence and late onset of symptoms among a proportion of the population, and review both personal and event-related risk factors across groups. We discuss brief screening instruments necessary for ongoing monitoring, and review interventions focusing on building resilience, preventing symptom development, and treating PTSD symptoms. Overall, the literature suggests a substantial burden of PTSD following mass fatality incidents. The epidemiological evidence highlights the importance of managing the health risks associated with volunteering in response to terror attacks. There is relatively clear guidance for the treatment of PTSD in the general public, although there is a need for greater dissemination of treatments and better access to care. Less is known about prevention and treatment for responders. There is empirical support for several psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD among these responders, but there is less evidence available to guide primary prevention programs for the public or responders. Planners will need to provide resources for long-term support for mental health following terror events and use a flexible approach for delivering available resources.
Posttraumatic stress disorder as a result of mass trauma
2004
There is a large body of literature on the psychological consequences of trauma experienced by individuals, but there are few studies of the acute and long-term effects of mass trauma on victimized communities. Acute stress reactions are expected, and overall resilience in the aftermath of major disasters is the rule rather than the exception. However, the available literature on mass trauma suggests that certain factors may provide clues to identifying persons at greater risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The severity of the trauma and the accessibility of support systems may affect long-term outcome. In industrialized countries, mass violence caused by malicious human intent may be a more virulent precursor to PTSD than other types of mass trauma, such as technological or natural disasters. School-aged children, women, persons with existing psychiatric illness, those who experienced significant losses or threat to life, those who have insufficient psychological and soc...
Research on posttraumatic stress disorder: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and assessment
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2002
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent disorder in both clinical and community populations. This article reviews current knowledge about PTSD in order to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of reactions to traumatic life events. First, research findings are presented, followed by guidelines for the assessment of trauma and PTSD. Topics discussed include epidemiology, course, and comorbidity, as well as information processing and psychobiology. The review is limited to information about PTSD in adults, although some of the material may generalize to child and adolescent populations.