Post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic injuries in adults.

The residuals of traumatic injuries from home or workplace accidents, automobile accidents, physical assault, or other unintentional human error can affect victims both physically and psychologically. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among survivors of accidents and nonsexual assaults and can impede recovery. Early identification of PTSD and timely referrals to mental health providers can greatly reduce medical expenses, disability payments, lost wages, lost work productivity, and direct mental health costs. A physician-screening tool to identify PTSD is outlined in this article and can be completed in a few minutes. Implementation of this screening following traumatic injuries can promote early diagnosis of possible psychological complications and facilitate referral to appropriate mental health professionals.