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Sandro Galea

School of Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.

1 paper in the library · 73 citations · publishing 2025

Papers

Post-traumatic stress disorder: evolving conceptualization and evidence, and future research directions.

World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) February 1, 2025 Chris R Brewin, Lukoye Atwoli, Jonathan I Bisson et al. 73 citations

The diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has shaped understanding of trauma responses. Early diagnostic criteria and epidemiological findings, including sociocultural differences, are reviewed. Evidence shows post-traumatic reactions occur in contexts not previously defined as traumatic. Recent developments such as the DSM-5 dissociative subtype and ICD-11 complex PTSD indicate several distinct PTSD phenotypes. Psychological foundations involve disturbances to memory and identity, with a broader focus on identity accommodating group and communal influences. Biological foundations include genetic and neuroimaging studies. While prevention progress has been disappointing, psychological treatments like trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, and non-trauma-focused therapies are effective. Emerging identity-based approaches and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy show promise. Adapting interventions in resource-limited settings and community-based approaches are priorities.