Chapter 6: Stress Disorders

Question 1

What is the DSM-V criteria for PTSD?

Answer 1

A person must have been exposed to a life-threatening traumatic event AND have developed symptoms for the following 4 categories:

• Re-experiencing the trauma (dreams, flashbacks)
• Avoidance behavior
• Emotional distress, negative thoughts, impaired functioning
• Heightened arousal (outbursts of anger, difficulty falling/staying asleep, hyper vigilance)

Question 2

What is delayed expression (PTSD)? What factors make it more likely?

Answer 2

• Full criteria aren’t expressed until at least 6 months after the trauma
• Initial symptoms are of numbing (initial trauma was repressed)
• Specific triggers are present that reactivate the trauma

Question 3

What is the one year prevalence of PTSD?

Answer 3

2.5%

Question 4

What is the lifetime prevalence of PTSD?

Answer 4

7.8%

Question 5

What is the gender ratio of PTSD? What does it depend on?

Answer 5

• 2:1 (female/male)

- Depends on specific socio-historic context (ex. war)

Question 6

When is the onset of PTSD?

Answer 6

Variable –> traumatization can occur at any age

Question 7

What are the PTSD symptoms in children?

Answer 7

• Overall same as adults (nightmares, detachment, sleep probs, etc.)
• Anxiety is more generalized
• More somatic symptoms (headaches, stomach aches)
• Prone to “act out” and play out the trauma through repetitive play and actions

Question 8

What are the factors linked to developing PTSD?

Answer 8

• Trauma factors = human or nature caused, severity of trauma, if person felt immobilized
• Person-specific factors = personal history of prior trauma, preexisting psychological disorders, over-active NS, lack of coping skills, negative thinking style
• Social factors = lack of social support or resources, stigmatization

Question 9

What are some medications for PTSD?

Answer 9

• Benzodiazepines
• Beta blockers and alpha blockers
• Antidepressants
• Topomax (antiseizure meds)
• Mood stabilizers

Question 10

What are some psychological treatments for PTSD?

Answer 10

• Create safe place and rapport
• Facilitate that client talks about event to express feelings
• Empower client
• Teach coping skills
• Desensitization procedures
• Group therapy
• Body therapies, movement therapies
• Children = art and play therapy

Question 11

What things is PTSD comorbid with?

Answer 11

• Other anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Dissociative disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Medical conditions
• Suicide

Question 12

What distinguishes PTSD from acute stress disorder?

Answer 12

Length of time the symptoms have lasted

• Acute stress disorder = 2-30 days
• PTSD = more than 30 days

Question 13

What percent of those with acute stress disorder will develop PTSD?

Answer 13

40%

Question 14

What percent of those with PTSD will recover within 3 months?

Answer 14

50%

Question 15

What are SSRI’s?

Answer 15

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

- Antidepressants