Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2003):

Post-traumatic stress disorder: the chameleon of psychiatry.

Full Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been included in the DSM category of psychiatric diagnoses since 1980, classified as an anxiety disorder. Since that time, its definition has undergone considerable change and today many physicians are not aware of its current diagnostic criteria or the clinical significance of its high degree of comorbidity with other psychiatric and somatic conditions. PTSD can appear in different forms, and its many manifestations often identified and dealt with, while the underlying pathological trauma and psychological damage continues unrecognized and untreated, resulting in negative consequences for the patient and society. The extent of the problem is considerable in North America but prevalence studies in Europe are practically non-existent amongst the general population, with the subsequent result being that the degree and severity of the problem in Europe remains unknown. This article briefly looks at the history and metamorphosis of PTSD and discusses its present niche in relation to primary healthcare.

Author information

Author/s: Rosenbaum, Larry (L);

Affiliation: Atvidaberg Health Care Centre, Sweden. larry.rosenbaum(-atsign-)lio.se

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Nordic journal of psychiatry (Nord J Psychiatry), published in Norway. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-; vol 58 (issue 5) : pp 343-8

Dates: Created 2004/10/29; Completed 2005/02/16; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 15513610, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Anxiety Disorders - classification; diagnosis; epidemiology; psychology Combat Disorders - classification; diagnosis; epidemiology; psychology Comorbidity Cross-Cultural Comparison Cross-Sectional Studies Depressive Disorder, Major - classification; diagnosis; epidemiology; psychology

Diagnosis, Differential Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Humans Norway - epidemiology Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - classification; diagnosis; epidemiology; psychology United States - epidemiology

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