[Psychologically traumatized patient on a general practitioner's consultation]

Psychologic first aid and active observation ("watchful waiting") provided by a general practitioner will usually suffice as therapy for acute stress reaction and disorder. Drug therapy should be considered only with caution. If trauma-related symptoms become prolonged, developing into a post-traumatic stress disorder, the general practitioner can continue to carry the responsibility for the treatment and follow-up, even though the psychotherapeutic treatment would be provided elsewhere. The first-line treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is trauma-oriented therapy in its various forms. Combining psychotherapy with antidepressant medication may be contemplated.