Abstract
The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in subjects who experienced, witnessed or were explained an event with high traumatic potential characterized by death or a threat to physical integrity of themselves or others. The PTSD essentially consists in re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance and arousal activity. Frequently, it is observed comorbidity with other anxiety disorders, such as mood disorders, substance abuse and dependence, as well as social, labor and economic problems. In Mexico it has been estimated that up to 13 % of the population meets the criteria for PTSD. Therefore it is important to have models to understand the origin, development and maintenance of this disorder. In this work, the main explanatory models offered from a cognitive behavioral perspective are reviewed: the model of emotional processing (Foa & Kosaks , 1985 ), the theory of dual processing by Brewin, Daglesh and Josephs (1996), the cognitive theory by Ehlers and Clark (2000 ) and the social cognitive theory by Resick, Monson and Chard (2008). Finally, their clinical implications are discussed.