Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome: What Is It?

Readily defined as symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but that occur earlier than 30 days after experiencing the traumatic event, posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) is now acknowledged to be a serious health issue. Even so, PTSS often goes unrecognized until an official diagnosis of PTSD is made. Screening tools such as the PTSS-14 have proven reliable in identifying people with PTSS who are at risk of developing PTSD. Through early recognition, providers may be able to intervene, thus alleviating or reducing the effects of a traumatic experience.