title: Caring for Trauma Survivors.
abstract: Although trauma exposure is common, few people develop acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Those who develop posttraumatic stress disorder likely have coexisting psychiatric and physical disorders. Psychiatric nurses must be knowledgeable about trauma responses, implement evidence-based approaches to conduct assessments, and create safe environments for patients. Most researchers assert that trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral approaches demonstrate the most efficacious treatment outcomes. Integrated approaches, offer promising treatment options. This article provides an overview of clinical factors necessary to help the trauma survivor begin the process of healing and recovery and attain an optimal level of functioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Networks-(VISN-17), 2301 E. Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006, USA. Electronic address: Deborah.Antai-Otong@va.gov.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Antai-Otong
mesh_terms: D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Dissociation; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Resilience; Self-care; Trauma; Trauma-informed care; Vicarious trauma