[Posttraumatic stress disorder : Risk factors, phenomenology, early recognition and management]

Posttraumatic stress disorder is characterized by the symptom levels intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal as a reaction to an exceptionally threatening event. It is a well-investigated and well-treatable mental condition; however, the frequently accompanying disturbances in sleep, cognition, affect and especially avoidance behavior represent substantial hurdles in the trauma surgery treatment as well in occupational reintegration. Basic knowledge about risk factors and the clinical phenomenology also enable early identification by the primary trauma surgeon or the accident insurance consultant (D-physician) and if necessary to initiate a qualified psychotraumatologically founded treatment.