The development of acute and posttraumatic stress symptoms after a traumatic event is common and often leads to personal distress, functional impairment, and economic consequences in trauma victims and their loved ones. Hence, the prevention of acute and chronic posttraumatic stress is an important public health priority. This article aims to review the current evidence regarding immediate (within hours) and early (within days and weeks) psychological and behavioral interventions to prevent posttraumatic stress symptoms.
