The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Reaction and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DoD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with one of these diagnoses.

 The guideline is formatted as five algorithms, with annotations:

• Core Module
• Algorithm A1 - Initial Evaluation
• Algorithm A2 - Combat and Ongoing Operation Stress Reaction (COSR)
• Algorithm B - Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Primary Care
• Algorithm C - Management of PTSD in Mental Health Specialty Care

PTSD Full Guideline (2,864 KB, PDF)

PTSD Summary - All Modules (1,147 KB, PDF)

PTSD Pocket Cards

   Acute Stress Reaction (231 KB, PDF)

   Management of PTSD in Primary Care (199 KB, PDF)

Variations in practice will inevitably and appropriately occur when providers take into account the needs of individual patients, available resources, and limitations unique to an institution or type of practice.  Every healthcare professional making use of these guidelines is responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of applying them in the setting of any clinical situation.