After a traumatic event most people experience a period of distress, and usually a resilient response is observed and no intervention is necessary. However, one-fifth of subjects can develop an Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) within the first month after exposure, and if the reaction lasts for more than a month, a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is usually made. Despite its
... [Show full abstract] prevalence, PTSD is likely to be under-recognized and under-treated, mostly in primary care settings. Primary care physicians can play an important role in identifying people with symptoms of ASD and PTSD, early detection and collaborative care treatment may improve prognosis.