Reconsidering Post-Traumatic Stress

Abstract

This article serves to challenge the prevailing wisdom that suggests that most trauma is followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is best treated with critical incident stress debriefing (CISD). Instead, recent evidence suggests that many individuals exposed to stress do not experience stress responses. Even those who do, however, may not benefit from CISD. There is little support for outdoor adventure programs to require CISD after traumatic events. It is recommended that leaders be trained in assessment and trauma management with a special emphasis on case management and referral for participants who need professional mental health intervention.