ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a description of trauma, the clinical classification of associated symptoms, and a profile of trauma presentation in primary care. It presents the significant link between exposure to traumatic events and a person's physical health. The chapter discusses broad considerations for assessing trauma in a primary care setting including several practical steps for effective screening. It also presents an in-depth description of some of the most useful screening measures, including their psychometric properties and strategies for administration in a real-world setting and patient population. The chapter describes the measures that help a clinician recognize the difference between trauma exposure and full symptom criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder, both of which warrant follow-up. It explains various barriers impacting access to appropriate healthcare services, especially those seeking mental health services. The chapter concludes with several cultural considerations for screening and assessing of trauma, with the inclusion of a case study that underscores the importance of the strategies and recommendations.
