Late-Onset Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological response to a perceived life-threatening trauma that includes re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and E v dissociation. Exposure to trauma in early a adulthood increases the potential for further psychological threats throughout life. In older adult populations, PTSD is an underrecognized and undertreated disorder that can result in psychosocial disability, substance use, and other negative health outcomes. This article examines the range of symptoms related to PTSD in older adults and expands on health care provider sensitivity to the interrelationship of mental and physical health when addressing the needs of older adults with this disorder.