What are the main clinical features of Post-traumatic stress disorder?

• re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing intrusive images
• avoidance: avoiding people, situations or circumstances resembling or associated with the event
• hyperarousal: hypervigilance for threat, exaggerated startle response, sleep problems, irritability and difficulty concentrating
• emotional numbing: lack of ability to experience feelings, feeling detached

What are the main causes of Post-traumatic stress disorder?

can develop in people of any age following a traumatic event, for example, a major disaster or childhood sexual abuse

What treatment method can be used for Post-traumatic stress disorder with mild symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks?

watchful waiting

What treatment method can be used for Post-traumatic stress disorder in severe cases?

• trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy
• eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing

What is the drug treatment of choice in Post-traumatic stress disorder?

• should not be used first line
• if used the venlafaxine or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)