[Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Digital Work Environment - A Case Report]

For the purpose of illustration, we briefly characterize a 36-year-old male who developed classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after work-related exposure to digital presentation of physical and sexual violence against animals and human beings as a social media content moderator.After having been incapacitated for work for a period of 10 months, the patient was referred for socio-medical assessment. Based on his high resilience and motivation it was concluded that the patient will regenerate and will be available for professional reorientation to re-enter the labor market within 6 months. Nonetheless, we ascertained a total suspension of work performance regarding his last insurable employment.This secondary, digital exposition is not described in the formally valid ICD-10 classification, but in the current valid version of DSM-5 it is included into the Criteria A4. Here, exposure via electronic instruments, television, movies or photographs is excluded, unless it is linked to work activity.This exemplifies the potential risks for mental health due to digital impressions during work and related socio-medical and actuarial consequences.