B. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Initial assessment
The initial step in identifying individuals with ASD or PTSD involves screening for recent or
remote trauma exposure, although the clinical approach may vary depending on the recency of
the traumatic event [I]. If eliciting vivid and detailed recollections of the traumatic event immediately
after exposure enhances the patient’s distress, the interview may be limited to gathering
information that is essential to provide needed medical care [I]. The first interventions in
the aftermath of an acute trauma consist of stabilizing and supportive medical care and supportive
psychiatric care and assessment [I]. After large-scale catastrophes, initial psychiatric assessment
includes differential diagnosis of physical and psychological effects of the traumatic
event (e.g., anxiety resulting from hemodynamic compromise, hyperventilation, somatic expressions
of psychological distress, fatigue) and identification of persons or groups who are at
greatest risk for subsequent psychiatric disorders, including ASD or PTSD [I]. This identification
may be accomplished through individual evaluation, group interviews, consultation, and
use of surveillance instruments [I].