[The post-traumatic embitterment disorder: clinical features].

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) has been internationally recognised as a specific form of adjustment disorder which arises after severe and negative, but not life threatening, life events (conflicts at work, unemployment, death of a relative, divorce, severe illness). More recent research on its specific symptomatologic features, its chronic course, and the difficulties of treatment, have lead to the definition of distinct diagnostic criteria for PTED. The aim of this paper is to describe its main clinical features for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

METHODS: The literature that is available allows to define specific psychopathological symptoms and etiology, and to distinguish PTED from post-traumatic stress, adjustment disorders and irritable mood.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PTED is a disorder with a specific psychopathological framework. The introduction of PTED in the diagnostic manuals of mental disorders would be of help to better diagnose the spectrum of disorders following negative life events.