Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Part I: Historical Development of the Concept

Abstract

TOPIC: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant health problem, characterized by high rates of chronicity and comorbidity. PURPOSE: This is the first of three articles examining the sufficiency of the current PTSD construct to articulate the spectrum of human responses to trauma, in particular as it relates to women and interpersonal trauma. This paper reviews the conceptual history of PTSD from the nineteenth century up to its inclusion in the DSM-III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980). SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Existing bodies of theoretical and research literature related to the effects of trauma. CONCLUSION: Although there is strong evidence that gender plays a role in responses to stress and trauma, gender specificity is not well-incorporated into clinical services or research in the area of PTSD.