Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In an article in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, authors outline 10 practical tips to help palliative care clinicians recognize and manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with serious illness. PTSD can complicate symptom assessment, communication, decision-making, and quality of life, while serious illness and routine medical care may trigger or reactivate trauma-related distress. The authors provide guidance on distinguishing PTSD from other psychological conditions, recognizing trauma-related symptoms, and incorporating trauma-informed communication that prioritizes patient safety, autonomy, and trust. They also discuss appropriate psychotherapy and medication approaches, strategies for managing sleep disturbances and nightmares, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The article emphasizes adapting care to each patient's medical condition, prognosis, and goals while minimizing retraumatization and supporting patients throughout the course of a serious illness.