The psychiatric sequelae of civilian trauma

Much of the literature on the psychiatric consequences of stress has focuse d on wartime combat trauma. However, traumatic events also frequently occur in civilian life. Controlled studies on the psychiatric effects of noncomb at trauma were reviewed and a meta-analysis of these data was conducted. Ge neralized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sub stance abuse, phobia, and major depressive disorder (MDD) were significantl y elevated compared with a pooled control group, whereas panic disorder and dysthymic disorder were not significantly increased. These data suggest th at the psychiatric effects of civilian trauma include both anxiety and depr essive disorders. The results are strikingly similar to those reported in c ombat veterans, suggesting that severe trauma, even in very different popul ations, may be associated with similar psychopathology. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.