PTSD: Therapeutic Interventions Post-Katrina

August 29, 2006, brought the largest, most deadly hurricane ever to strike the Gulf Coast. According to reports, the storm killed more than 2000 people and destroyed billions of dollars of property, with winds clocked at 160 to 175 mph. More than a million residents were displaced, many requiring care for chronic conditions who suddenly also needed care for acute stress symptoms. Today, many individuals still struggle to cope with major psychiatric posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Using a case study approach, this article discusses PTSD, including what it is, how it is manifested, how to diagnose it, patient education, and how it can be managed with therapeutic interventions. Special circumstances related to children are briefly presented.