Post-traumatic stress in the medical setting

This article addresses the prevalence of posttraumatic stress arising from serious illness and injury. Its purpose is to underscore the importance of assessment and treatment of this population. The article reviews literature about patient stress responses to intensive care experiences and hospitalization. Above all, serious illness and injury hamper the individual's ability to maintain their ongoing lifestyle and interpersonal relationships; the experience raises the specter of vulnerability and mortality and can obstruct the experience of a familiar "self". Issues to be assessed and areas to be addressed therapeutically using hypnosis are suggested.