title: Biologic correlates to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in female victims of intimate partner violence: implications for practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to discuss the current literature about the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PTSD is a complex and serious syndrome with emotional symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, and physical consequences. PTSD is associated with impaired immune function, obesity, increased risk of diabetes, increased severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, depression, suicide, and increased likelihood of re-abuse. Female victims of IPV develop PTSD and related consequences at a rate of 74-92%, compared to 6-13% in non-abused women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are likely to see one or both of these problems in their practices. The vague, nonspecific symptoms can present challenges to APNs. Biologic correlates are identified to help the APNs identify those most at risk of developing PTSD. Treatment options are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA. DTilley@TWU.edu
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scott-Tilley
authors.forename: Abigail
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tilton
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sandel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology