Posttraumatic stress disorder: from diagnosis to prevention

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Genetics

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic mental health condition following exposure to traumatic events.
• PTSD significantly disrupts individual and family functioning, leading to medical, financial, and social challenges.
• Current understanding of PTSD pathogenesis involves multifactorial influences, including the HPA axis, immune responses, and genetic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• To review accepted diagnostic guidelines, such as DSM-5 and ICD-11.
• To explore the multifactorial pathogenesis and potential treatment avenues for PTSD.

Main Methods:

• Selective literature review.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and symptom clusters.
• Examination of etiological factors and treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• PTSD diagnosis relies on symptom clusters post-trauma, with DSM-5 and ICD-11 as leading guidelines.
• Pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving neurobiological (HPA axis, brain structures), immunological, and genetic components.
• Treatment options include psychological interventions and pharmacological agents.

Conclusions:

• Findings from current PTSD studies are challenging to generalize due to heterogeneity in patient groups, trauma types, diagnostic criteria, and study designs.
• Further research is essential to identify optimal diagnostic guidelines and inspection methods for early PTSD detection.
• Future investigations should focus on developing effective strategies for PTSD prevention.