Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Traumatic event exposure is common and is a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric problems. Fortunately, rates of PTSD after trauma are relatively low in both civilians and combat veterans (2-14%), and about half of those who develop the disorder will remit over time. Nevertheless, because of its etiological component (i.e., trauma) PTSD has become one of the most common conditions invoked in forensic contexts (both criminal justice and disability). For example, PTSD disability claims by veterans has reached historically unprecedented high levels and continue to rise. Careful forensic assessment is necessary to separate malingering and symptom overreporting from actual PTSD. Strategies for thorough assessment of clinical symptoms and functioning are suggested.