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PTSD as a Public Mental Health Priority

  • Disaster Psychiatry: Trauma, PTSD, and Related Disorders (MJ Friedman, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article reviews recent evidence related to public health epidemiology and intervention for traumatic stress and PTSD. Recent evidence is presented regarding incidence of traumatic stress worldwide, as well as most frequent types of traumas, indicators of the public health burden of PTSD, and prevalence, predictors, and correlates of PTSD. Public health perspectives on intervention and treatment are delineated, and innovations in both psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions are highlighted.

Recent Findings

PTSD has been associated with substantial medical and economic burden. Recent public health preventive innovations include integrated medical/behavioral health care, acute CBT and attention interventions, modifications to CBT protocols, use of novel and augmentative psychopharmacological agents, and use of technology.

Summary

Recent research regarding the scope and impact of traumatic stress, as well as prevention strategies for PTSD, have resulted in an improved understanding of its impact and more effective public health interventions.

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  1. Department of Veterans Affairs (116D), National Center for PTSD, Executive Division, 215 N. Main ST, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA

    Patricia Watson

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Disaster Psychiatry: Trauma, PTSD, and Related Disorders

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Watson, P. PTSD as a Public Mental Health Priority. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 61 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1032-1

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