[Behavioral and cognitive models of post-traumatic stress disorder]

The necessity of developing efficient treatment for the numerous victims of violence and catastrophes render essential the understanding of the mechanisms of development, maintainance and resorption of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Consequently, this article presents the most influential behavior and cognitive models followed by a brief critical analysis. The etiological models chosen are those of Mowrer (1960), Foa and al. (1989), Jones and Barlow (1990), Chemtob and al. (1988) and Janoff-Bulman (1985). Finally these models are compared and discussed.