[특집] 외상 후 스트레스 장애의 진단과 병태 생리

Diagnosis and Pathophysiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)

Objective : Traumatic syndromes resembling posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been repeatedly described through the history of mankind. Since the inclusion into operational criteria of DSM-III, the concept of PTSD have been robustly changed. The author reviewed the cutting-edge issues regarding diagnosis and pathophysiology of PTSD for proper understanding of this condition. Methods : Wide literatural reviews using Medline and textbooks were performed for integrating up-to-date findings of PTSD studies. Several own preliminary findings and discussions with world-wide experts were also included into this review. Rcsults : The complex pathophysiology with the concept of "stress-vulnerablity model" of PTSD has become increasingly important as the dianostic criteria for PTSD specify an etiological factor, namely the traumatic event, unlike most other mental disoders. The present paper diffusely reviewed the historical consideration, the change of disease concept, symptomatology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, methods for assessment, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of PTSD. Conclusion: Since various traumatic events are very prevalent in Korea, understanding the clinical phenomenology of PTSD is very crucial to properly diagnose and treat patients with PTSD.