Trauma-related disorders in psychiatrists' and general practitioners' private practice in Switzerland

A questionnaire addressing traumatic stress related issues was mailed to every third psychiatrist in private practice and to every fifth general practitioner in Switzerland (N = 1406, number of returns 517 (37%). Trauma-related disorders seem to be underdiagnosed. Patients suffering from rape, accidents and war related trauma were most often mentioned. Psychiatrists knew more about specific treatment possibilities than general practitioners. Only 14% of the responding clinicians were satisfied with the existing therapeutic services for trauma victims; more psychiatrists voiced a need for their improvement. A majority suggested interdisciplinarity and the cooperation of institutions and therapists in private practice for the treatment of trauma-related disorders. It is proposed that further education should be tailored according to the target professional group.