[Diagnosis of trauma sequelae]

Traumatic events often trigger acute psychosomatic and psychiatric sequelae, which sometimes show a tendency to become chronic. The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome with numerous mental and vegetative symptoms. The diagnosis of trauma sequelae requires a good knowledge of the differential diagnostically relevant comorbid conditions (e.g. anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and somatoform disturbances). An appropriate management plan is possible only when suitable consideration is given to the traumatic genesis of symptoms. In the treatment of trauma, a stepped approach involving the principles stabilization, trauma processing and psychosocial re-integration has proven value.