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What is posttraumatic stress disorder?
1Hebrew University of Jerusalem Medical School and Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah University Hospital, Israel. ashalev@cc.huji.ac.il
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|August 10, 2001
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves diverse symptoms and psychological processes. This overview covers PTSD diagnosis, clinical course, associated conditions, and treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) understanding has grown significantly.
- PTSD presents with diverse symptoms and complex psychological processes.
- The etiology is often clear, but symptom presentation varies widely.
Purpose of the Study:
- Provide a comprehensive overview of PTSD.
- Detail diagnostic criteria according to DSM-IV and ICD-10.
- Discuss the clinical course and comorbidities of PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV, ICD-10).
- Analysis of clinical course and associations with other mental disorders.
- Examination of assessment methods, including physiological responses.
Main Results:
- PTSD diagnosis relies on specific criteria.
- Comorbidities like depression are common.
- Physiological responses, such as startle responses, aid in diagnosis and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- PTSD is a complex disorder with varied presentations.
- Accurate diagnosis involves considering clinical symptoms and physiological markers.
- Integrated treatment approaches, including psychological and biological therapies, are essential.