Prevention and Early Intervention Programs for Older Adults

Although older age appears to be a protective factor against developing psychopathology subsequent to trauma exposure, factors associated with the aging process may complicate identification and treatment of PTSD in older persons. This chapter reviews the risk and protective factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorders in older adults, describes research on secondary prevention and early intervention programs for older adults exposed to potentially traumatic events, and provides recommendations for adaptation of extant early traumatic stress treatment programs to meet the needs of older adults.