psychiatric disorders
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Introduction
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks; avoidance of reminders of the trauma; negative cognitions and mood; hypervigilance and sleep disturbance. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. Treatment includes psychotherapy and sometimes adjunctive pharmacologic therapy. (See also Overview of Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders .) Lifetime prevalence of PTSD approaches 9%, with a 12-month prevalence of approximately 4% ( General reference ). Combat, sexual assault, and natural or man-made disasters are common causes of PTSD. PTSD can lead to serious social, occupational, and interpersonal dysfunction. While Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) can only be diagnosed within the first month after a trauma, PTSD can only be diagnosed at least 1 month after the trauma. ASD can develop directly into PTSD, or PTSD can develop months or even years after the trauma without preceding problems being obvious. 