Prevention and Early Intervention Programs for Older Adults

Age appears to be a consistent protective factor against developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) subsequent to trauma exposure, followed by social support and proper screening and intervention. However, factors associated with the aging process may complicate identification and treatment of PTSD in older persons, although interventions have been developed in recent years that may help mediate the impact of trauma and stress. This chapter reviews the current risk and protective factors associated with development and treatment of PTSD and comorbidities in older adults, describes research on secondary prevention and early intervention programs for older adults exposed to potentially traumatic events, provides an introduction to a screening/prevention instrument, and presents recommendations for adaptation of extant early traumatic stress treatment programs to meet the needs of older adults.