CNE Article

Late-Onset Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Marsha Snyder, PhD, PMHCNS, BC

  • Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
  • November 2008 - Volume 46 · Issue 11: 39-44
  • DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20081101-10
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Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological response to a perceived life-threatening trauma that includes re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and dissociation. Exposure to trauma in early adulthood increases the potential for further psychological threats throughout life. In older adult populations, PTSD is an underrecognized and undertreated disorder that can result in psychosocial disability, substance use, and other negative health outcomes. This article examines the range of symptoms related to PTSD in older adults and expands on health care provider sensitivity to the interrelationship of mental and physical health when addressing the needs of older adults with this disorder.

AUTHORS

Dr. Snyder is Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Health Systems Science, Chicago, Illinois.

Address correspondence to Marsha Snyder, PhD, PMHCNS, BC, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Health Systems Science, 845 South Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612-7350; e-mail: .snyderm@uic.edu

doi: 10.3928/02793695-20081101-10

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