Early identification of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder by nurse clinicians

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), generally agreed to be a discrete and insidious psychopathologic entity, commonly develops in victims of extreme trauma. It is known that some trauma victims recover quickly and naturally in the acute phase of the disorder while others develop a debilitating and life-threatening chronic phase. Early detection and treatment can enhance opportunities for recovery by preventing development of the chronic phase, but posttrauma identification of patients who may be vulnerable to the development of chronic PTSD is clinically difficult. However, there is evidence for the existence of predisposing factors that may predict susceptibility to chronic PTSD. Nurse clinicians may be in the best position to identify potential victims of chronic PTSD and make referrals for appropriate psychiatric evaluation and treatment.