Preventing the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before trauma occurs

Objective: To provide an update on methods of preventing the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before trauma occurs. Method: Survey and analysis of the literature (mainly articles)found in the Medline, Psychinfo, and Pilot databases. Results: Most research focuses on identifying risk factors and reinforcing individual resistance as the prime means of preventing PTSD. The severity of the trauma is by far the most serious risk factor. To reinforce resistance and prevent the onset of PTSD, the army has favoured psychoeducational approaches. However. the literature sun ey has found no pretrauma prevention program for other high-risk occupations. Conclusion: The usefulness of identified risk factors for the primary prevention of PTSD is limited since with the exception of the trauma itself they play a minor role on the onset of severe-trauma PTSD. Psychoeducational approaches aimed at reinforcing the resistance of individuals nt risk are promising, but their potential has to be further explored in individuals in high-risk trades. Finally, it has been suggested that other avenues of research in the primary prevention (pretrauma) of PTSD be explored. These include the identification of possible protection factors, the influence of genetic make-up and of biological variables, the cumulative effects of exposure to stressors, and the presence of chronic stressors.