Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post Traumatic Stress: Module B Summary

Description

This 15-page module summary on posttraumatic disorders in primary care is derived from the evidence-based clinical practice guideline Management of Post Traumatic Stress, developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. It focuses on acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This module summary addresses the following topics:

• ASD and PTSD in primary care (algorithm)
• Common symptoms after exposure to trauma or loss (table)
• Assessment of trauma exposure-related symptoms
• Assessment of trauma exposure
• Assessment of dangerousness to self or others
• Obtain medical history, physical examination, mental status examination, and laboratory tests
• Assessment of functioning
• Functional assessment (table)
• Assessment of risk factors
• Are there clinical significant symptoms suggestive of PTSD or ASD?
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for stress disorders (table) 
• Patient education
• Coexisting severe mental conditions
• Concurrent PTSD and substance abuse
• Referral to mental health specialty
• Treatment in primary care
• Referral to vet centers
• Assess duty/work responsibilities and patient's fitness (in relation to military operation)