post-traumatic stress disorder

ritical incident stress is a major factor in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the onset of PTSD can often be prevented by proper preparation, plus the appropriate use of defusing and debriefing (CISD) group and individual sessions after the critical incident has taken place. PTSD is a medical diagnosis made according to specific criteria by medical/mental health professionals. It can include chronic symptoms of critical incident stress that interfere with work and social life long after the event.

Critical incidents cannot be predicted, nor can critical incident stress or post-traumatic stress disorder always be prevented. However, your ability to cope will increase if you are fit and healthy in all these different dimensions:

• Psychological
• Spiritual
• Emotional
• Physical
• Social