EARLY INTERVENTIONS FOR PTSD: A REVIEW

The high prevalence of trauma exposure and subsequent negative consequences for both survivors and society as a whole emphasize the need for secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, clinicians and relief workers remain limited in their ability to intervene effectively in the a...

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Published inDepression and anxiety Vol. 29; no. 10; pp. 833 - 842
Main Authors Kearns, Megan C., Ressler, Kerry J., Zatzick, Doug, Rothbaum, Barbara Olasov
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.10.2012
Subjects
Adrenergic beta-Agonists - therapeutic use
Analgesics - therapeutic use
Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use
ASD
Cognitive Therapy - methods
early intervention
Glucocorticoids - therapeutic use
Humans
Psychotherapy, Brief - methods
PTSD
secondary prevention
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - prevention & control
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - therapy
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Summary:The high prevalence of trauma exposure and subsequent negative consequences for both survivors and society as a whole emphasize the need for secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, clinicians and relief workers remain limited in their ability to intervene effectively in the aftermath of trauma and alleviate traumatic stress reactions that can lead to chronic PTSD. The scientific literature on early intervention for PTSD is reviewed, including early studies on psychological debriefing, pharmacological, and psychosocial interventions aimed at preventing chronic PTSD. Studies on fear extinction and memory consolidation are discussed in relation to PTSD prevention and the potential importance of immediate versus delayed intervention approaches and genetic predictors are briefly reviewed. Preliminary results from a modified prolonged exposure intervention applied within hours of trauma exposure in an emergency room setting are discussed, along with considerations related to intervention reach and overall population impact. Suggestions for future research are included. Prevention of PTSD, although currently not yet a reality, remains an exciting and hopeful possibility with current research approaches translating work from the laboratory to the clinic.
Bibliography:ark:/67375/WNG-87J9SZLR-X
ArticleID:DA21997
istex:53E1CF72AF3B4B1DE9304760004791CEE06B2BC0
ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
ObjectType-Review-3
content type line 23
ISSN:1091-4269
1520-6394
1520-6394
DOI:10.1002/da.21997