Treating adults with acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in general practice: A clinical update

Abstract

• General practitioners have an important role to play in helping patients after exposure to severe psychological trauma. • In the immediate aftermath of trauma, GPs should offer "psychological first aid", which includes monitoring of the patient's mental state, providing general emotional support and information, and encouraging the active use of social support networks, and self-care strategies. • Drug treatments should be avoided as a preventive intervention after traumatic exposure; they may be used cautiously in cases of extreme distress that persists. • Adults with acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be provided with trauma-focused cognitive beh..