Anxiety Disorders: Traumatic Stress Disorders
This chapter outlines the clinical presentation of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder, two anxiety disorders that may emerge following exposure to traumatic life events (eg., combat, sexual assault, physical assault, natural disasters). It provides an in-depth summary of the presenting symptoms, assessment strategies, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment for both of these disorders. The chapter also summarizes the current research examining epidemiology, comorbidity patterns, course, differential diagnosis, and etiology for both disorders. The primary goal of the chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of trauma reactions for mental health professionals working with trauma-exposed populations. © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
