[Disorders related to traumatic events. Screening and treatment].
OBJECTIVE
To educate family physicians about screening, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders related to traumatic events.


METHODS
PsycLIT, PsychINFO, PILOTS, and MEDLINE databases were searched from January 1985 to December 2000 using the terms "acute stress disorder," "posttraumatic stress disorder," "traumatic stress," "psychotherapy," "psychosocial treatment," "treatment," and "pharmacotherapy." Recommendations concerning treatment of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are based on evidence from trials of the highest quality. Conclusions about assessment and diagnosis are based on the most recent epidemiologic studies, consensus, and expert opinion.


RESULTS
Very often, ASD and PTSD are underdiagnosed and undertreated. Family physicians are likely to see patients suffering from these disorders. Early screening in primary care is a function of active listening; warm, safe patient-physician relationships; and careful examination of difficulties related to traumatic events. Ideally, patients with either ASD or PTSD should be referred to a specialist. If a specialist is unavailable, family physicians can offer support and prescribe medication to address patients' symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Family physicians can help identify and treat patients presenting with disorders related to traumatic events.
Guay
Stéphane
S
Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin, l'Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine (HLHL), Montréal, Qué. sguay@crfs.umontreal.ca
Mainguy
Nicole
N
Marchand
André
A
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D001569:Benzodiazepines
Les troubles liés aux événements traumatiques. Dépistage et traitement.