Stress disorder, post-traumatic
Synonym(s)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTBS); Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Posttraumatic stress syndrome; Psychotraumatic stress disorder; PTSD
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is the occurrence of psychosomatic complaints, which can be the consequence of physical and psychological trauma. The actual term post-traumatic stress disorder has its origins in the military. During the Vietnam War, soldiers became unfit for service due to extreme physical or mental stress and henceforth suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. One speaks of post-traumatic stress disorder from a duration of one month. From a duration of 3 months on, a chronification of PTSD can be assumed.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Patients with chronic skin diseases (e.g. atopical eczema) stated in retrospective surveys that stressful events immediately preceded the onset of the disease.
- Approx. 20-70% of the patients with chronic skin diseases report retrospectively on psychological stress. In prospective studies the proportion is stated as 15-30%.
ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.
Women are generally affected much more frequently than men. Some studies assume a ratio of 2:1.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Clinically, the following symptoms can manifest themselves in addition to the skin disease:
- intrusions (imposing, incriminating thoughts and memories of the trauma)
- Amnesia
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Concentration disorders
- increased irritability
- Avoidance of trauma-associated stimuli
- Depression.
General therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
In many cases the disorder is treated by a combination of psychotherapy and medication (e.g. Fluctin).
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Abram KM (2007) Posttraumatic stress disorder and psychiatric comorbidity among detained youths. Psychiatrist Serv 58: 1311-1316
- Hermanns N & Scholz OB (1993) Psychological influences on atopic dermatitis - a behavioural medical view. In Gieler U & Stangier U & Braehler E (eds.) Skin diseases from a psychological point of view. Series Yearbook of Medical Psychology, Volume 9 Hogrefe, Göttingen, pp. 180-191
- Stangier U, Ehlers A & Gieler U (1995) Behavioural therapy and patient training for adult neurodermatitis patients. In F. Petermann (ed.) Asthma and allergy. Behavioural medicine basics and applications. Hogrefe, Göttingen, S. 285-326
- Stangier U (1999) On the practice of behavioural therapy for dermatological disorders. Z Dermatol 185: 82-86