A primary care perspective of posttraumatic stress disorder for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major mental disorder associated with significant morbidity, psychosocial impairment, and disability. The diagnosis of PTSD can be missed in a primary care setting, as patients frequently present with somatic complaints or depression and are often reluctant to discuss their traumatic experiences. As recent studies of veterans returning from the Gulf War and the Iraqi War suggest high rates of PTSD, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospitals are gearing up to face this challenge. It is important to screen these veterans for symptoms of PTSD and make an appropriate referral if required. In this article, we attempt to review PTSD with a special focus on the VA population. In addition to discussing the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for PTSD, we also suggest screening questions for both combat-related and military sexual trauma-related PTSD.
Ramaswamy
Sriram
S
Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68105, USA. sramaswamy@creighton.edu
Madaan
Vishal
V
Qadri
Faiz
F
Heaney
Christopher J
CJ
North
Terry C
TC
Padala
Prasad R
PR
Sattar
Syed P
SP
Petty
Frederick
F