Post-traumatic stress disorder.

The management of post-traumatic stress disorder depends on the nature of the stress, the personality of the victim, and the clinical orientation of the therapist. Traumatic situations may be experienced by individuals or by groups, and may be isolated incidents (such as unexpected civil disasters) or continuing occupational hazards, such as are experienced by soldiers, firemen or police. The first concern of therapists, whatever their methods of treatment, is an understanding of the nature of the trauma, and of the inherent differences in each type. This paper seeks to identify such differences. Some general therapeutic principles are then suggested.