title: A prospective study of the onset of PTSD symptoms in the first month after trauma exposure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the month after trauma exposure has not been determined adequately. Symptom group C (avoidance/numbing) has been identified retrospectively as a marker for PTSD, but prospective studies are needed to determine whether these symptoms can provide substantially earlier identification of those who will have PTSD 1 month after trauma exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 42 patients hospitalized for traumatic injuries over the first post-injury month to track development of posttraumatic symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Symptoms emerged rapidly, with group B (intrusion) and group D (hyperarousal) symptoms occurring earlier than group C symptoms. At 1 week, group C criteria accurately predicted who would develop PTSD by 1 month, and by 2 weeks, group C criteria also predicted who would not develop PTSD by 1 month.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings, if replicated, may permit earlier identification of PTSD and more timely, appropriate treatment.
authors: Department of Psychiatry/Division of Crisis and Disaster Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Jeannie.Whitman@UTSouthwestern.edu
authors: Jeannie B
authors: JB
authors: Whitman
authors: Carol S
authors: CS
authors: North
authors: Dana L
authors: DL
authors: Downs
authors: Edward L
authors: EL
authors: Spitznagel
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult