General hospital psychiatry
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent disorder that adversely affects 2-5% of the general population. Little is known about PTSD in the primary care setting. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the utility of a screening instrument for PTSD (the PCL-C) in primary care and to examine comorbidity, disability, and patterns of healthcare utilization among persons with PTSD in this setting. ⋯ Comorbidity with other mood and anxiety disorders is extensive. It remains to be seen if greater awareness and more aggressive treatment of PTSD in primary care will lead to improved functioning and reduced (or more appropriate) healthcare utilization. These are topics for further study.