Posttraumatic stress disorder and community violence: An update for nurse practitioners

Abstract

Purpose: An update on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and community violence for nurse practitioners (NPs) and other healthcare providers is required.

Data sources: A review of current literature on PTSD related to community violence is presented as well as an overview of PTSD disorders.

Conclusions: Violence takes place in our communities and in our larger social world every day. In the face of increasing disasters and violent events, there is growing concern over the overall impact of violence on mental health. PTSD, a type of anxiety disorder, may develop as a result of exposure to these events.

Implications for practice: NPs have an important role to play in recognizing and treating PTSD symptoms in persons following exposure to a severe psychological trauma.