Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review

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Abstract
This article reviews the current status of research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Classification and diagnosis of PTSD are reviewed with particular reference to the DSM III and DSM III-R criteria for diagnosis. Psychometric and psychophysiological diagnostic aids are described and evaluated and a description of the complex symptomatology is presented. Estimates of the epidemiology of PTSD are outlined. Although not conclusive, it is suggested by the available literature that the incidence rate of PTSD is between 15% and 30% of all Vietnam war veterans, with higher than average rates occurring among lome minority groups. The psychodynamic, behavioural and biochemical approaches to the aetiology and treatment of PTSD are described, and the efficacy of the respective treatment interventions is evaluated. Examination of the various treatment strategies revealed that, despite differences in their underlying theoretical frameworks, exposure to memories of the traumatic stimulus is a treatment factor common to all three theoretical models.