In a review article the author outlines the up-to-date knowledge of incidence, symptomatology, course, prognosis and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that occurs more frequently than it is diagnosed. In up to 80 % of cases it may be associated with a depression. With regard to a latency in days to weeks after a serious traumatic event, an important role in diagnostics falls on traumatologists, and particularly on generál practitioners. It is necessary to actively search for symptoms of this disorder which should not be underestimated. Treatment consists in psychotherapy, combined eventually with antidepressant drugs. In the end the author recommends a guideline in ten „keep in mind" points.

        Key words: posttraumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder.