Chapter 6: Trauma Disorders

Question 1

What are stressors?

Answer 1

External events/ situation that places physical or psychological demands on a person

Question 2

What is stress?

Answer 2

Internal psychological or physiological response to a stressor
Everyday stress can negatively influence health, psychology, physiology => lead to development of conditions

Question 3

What is adjustment disorder?

Answer 3

Exposure to a stressor of any type or severity, but specific
Out of proportion symptoms begin within 3 months of exposure to stressor
Lasts no longer than 6 months after termination of stressor or consequences from stressor
GAD requires at least 6 months to not misdiagnose as adjustment disorder
Specific stressor, slightly excessive reaction

Question 4

What is acute stress disorder?

Answer 4

Direct/indirect exposure to traumatic stressor involving actual/threatened death, serious injury, sexual violence
Intrusion symptoms: unwanted thoughts/memories of event (flashbacks, nightmares)
Avoidance
Negative alterations in mood or cognition
Arousal and changes in reactivity: hypervigilance
Depersonalization, derealization, dissociation
3 days - 1 month after exposure to trauma

Question 5

What is posttraumatic stress disorder?

Answer 5

Direct/indirect exposure to traumatic stressor involving actual/threatened death, serious injury, sexual violence
Intrusion symptoms: unwanted thoughts/memories of event (flashbacks, nightmares)
Avoidance
Negative alterations in mood or cognition
Arousal and changes in reactivity: hypervigilance
Depersonalization, derealization, dissociation
Symptoms persist for at least 1 month

Question 6

What are the typical outcomes after exposure to traumatic incidents?

Answer 6

Resilience
Recovery
Delayed symptoms
Chronic symptoms

Question 7

What is a psychophysiological disorder?

Answer 7

Physical disorder with a strong psychological basis or component

Question 8

What medical conditions are influenced by psychological factors?

Answer 8

Actual tissue damage
Disease process
Physiological dysfunction

Question 9

What is asthma?

Answer 9

Chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs

Question 10

How does stress cause an asthma attack?

Answer 10

Stress or other triggers cause excessive mucus secretion
Spasms and swelling of airways
Reduces amount of air that can be inhaled
Symptoms range from mild to severe