Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Aging

Abstract

The evidence base on effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the elderly population is scarce. The assessment and treatment of PTSD could pose a challenge for primary care providers and residents in training involved in treating PTSD in older adults. This article will review the epidemiology, the morbidity, the mortality, the biological perspective, the prognosis, and the psychosocial and pharmacological treatment options, in addition to the spiritual dimensions of PTSD and aging.

Keywords:

• aging
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• PTSD
• anxiety disorders
• psychosocial
• pharmacological treatment
• spiritual