Rationale:

• Most individuals exposed to a traumatic stressor experience some level of posttraumatic stress symptoms (not disorder) for a few days to weeks after the event.
• In most patients, these symptoms resolve spontaneously.
• Many patients find it helpful to learn that their reactions are most likely a “normal response to an abnormal event.”

Evidence:

• High rates (90%) of transient posttraumatic stress symptoms are common in the days immediately following a traumatic event. For many individuals, patient education may enhance normal recovery processes. However, it does not prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (1).

Comments:

• Patient education is most useful for individuals who retain at least some of their natural resiliency after a traumatic event. Unfortunately, early intervention strategies including education, debriefing, psychotherapy, and medication do not seem to be potent enough to prevent PTSD in more seriously affected individuals.