Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Introduction

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe disorder consisting of a widespread range of symptoms following a traumatic event which exceeds the person's coping skills. Some occupational groups (like fire-fighters, police officers, health and social workers, bank employees and journalists) are more prone to the development of PTSD due to the unique demands of their jobs and an increased likelihood of being exposed to trauma. This article provides an overview of the main symptoms, prevalence rates, risk factors and treatment of PTSD, as well as a discussion of the strategies of prevention and rehabilitation with a concentrated focus on occupational…