<p>Rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among chemically exposed persons are comparable with those exposed to the most severely traumatizing stressors. Qualitative aspects of the experience of exposure to and injury by chemical weapons agents (CWA) may contribute to the frequency and chronicity of disability among chemically exposed persons. Early and ongoing psychiatric involvement is recommended in recognition of the fact that the psychiatric impact of CWA is as clinically significant as the dermatologic, ocular, or pulmonary consequences. A &#147;collaborative care&#148; model of trauma treatment incorporating this approach is described.</p><h4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</h4><p>Larry H. Pastor, MD, FAPA, is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; is Assistant Adjunct Professor Psychiatry, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Lieutenant Colonel, Medical Corps, U.S. Army Reserve; and is Emergency Services Psychiatrist, Fairfax County CSB, Virginia. Roger G. McIntosh, MD, MOH, is Director of Occupational Medicine Programs at Battelle Eastern Science and Technology Center, Aberdeen, Maryland. His principal responsibilities include overseeing government and contractor occupational health and chemical surety programs in support of chemical agent storage, disposal, and research and development programs. Dr. McIntosh is board certified in occupational medicine and also provides technical support in the fields of toxicology, industrial hygiene, substance abuse and dependency, health hazard assessment, and chemical agent diagnosis and treatment.</p><p>Address correspondence to: Roger G. McIntosh, MD, MOH, Director, Occupational Medicine Programs, Battelle Eastern Science and Technology Center, 1204 Technology Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001; or e-mail <a href="mailto:mcintoshr@battelle.org">mcintoshr@battelle.org</a>.</p> <p>Dr. Pastor and Dr. McIntosh have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</p> <h4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</h4> <ol> <li>Identify the persistence of psychiatric morbidity associated with exposure chemical warfare agents (CWA).</li> <li>Describe risk factors associated with severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</li> <li>Develop strategies for early intervention to minimize psychiatric morbidity associated with CWA exposure.</li> </ol>