Presentations and management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the elderly: a need for investigation

Abstract

Further specific research is needed in the elderly in order to facilitate a better understanding of PTSD that present in this unique population. This will lead to better clinical assessment, management and treatment provision.

PTSD in the elderly: the interaction between trauma and aging

“…Several possible forms of presentation have been postulated (Busuttil, 2004). Several possible forms of presentation have been postulated (Busuttil, 2004).…”

Posttraumatic stress disorder and its comorbidity with depression and somatisation in the elderly – A German community-based study

“…Notwithstanding these limitations, the study highlights the importance of trauma and -especially partial -PTSD in the elderly generation. Future research should focus on diagnostic and therapeutic implications to ameliorate the treatment of full and partial PTSD in the elderly (Busuttil, 2004;Owens, Baker, Kasckow, Ciesla, & Mohamed, 2005).…”

Five Years Later: Resiliency Among Older Adult Survivors of Hurricane Katrina

“…According to Busuttil (2004), typical life events experienced by the elderly, such as loss of spouse, loss of a role in the workplace, forced isolation, sensory decline, and a decline in such areas as physical health, may exacerbate distress over past ordeals. According to Chung, Werrett, Easthope, and Farmer (2004), elderly persons were more at risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder than were younger persons following a natural disaster.…”

“…Hurricane Katrina confirmed the assertion by Ngo (2001) that elderly persons are among those most vulnerable in disasters. The literature focusing on natural and human-made disasters (Busuttil, 2004;Hooyman & Kiyak, 2008;Rokach & Neto, 2005) is replete with descriptions of the negative effects of trauma, loss, and relocation (the major aspects of any large scale disaster) on the elderly. The expected negative impacts of Hurricane Katrina and its related disruptions of life among the elderly, however, were not universal.…”