Diagnosis Flashcards
Why is a correct trauma diagnosis important?
Informs therapeutic and pharmacological treatment. Influences self-perception and can be lifelong. Used in legal settings. Can provide relief for some, while others may feel burdened by labels.
What are the main trauma-related diagnoses in the DSM-5-TR?
Reactive Attachment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, Prolonged Grief Disorder, Other/Unspecified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders.
What are the core symptoms of PTSD in the DSM-5-TR?
Intrusion symptoms, Avoidance of reminders, Negative alterations in cognition and mood, Altered arousal and reactivity, Dissociative symptoms (optional). Duration: More than one month.
How does ICD-11 define PTSD?
PTSD requires all three core elements: Re-experiencing: Vivid memories, flashbacks, or nightmares with intense emotions. Avoidance: Active efforts to avoid triggers or reminders. Heightened threat perception: Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle responses.
What is Complex PTSD in ICD-11, and how does it differ from PTSD?
In addition to PTSD criteria, Complex PTSD includes: Severe affect regulation issues. Negative self-perceptions (e.g., worthlessness, shame). Difficulty sustaining relationships and feeling close to others.
What are common issues with PTSD diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR?
Comorbidities are highly prevalent (80% of cases). Focuses on single-event trauma, missing complexities of prolonged trauma. Spectrum of trauma conditions is not fully addressed. Often misdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment.
Why does trauma often lead to misdiagnosis?
Symptoms may resemble other disorders (e.g., anxiety, personality disorders). Misdiagnosis ignores trauma’s environmental impact. Leads to polypharmacy and stigma associated with ‘character flaws.’
How does Complex PTSD commonly develop?
From prolonged or repetitive traumatic events, such as: Torture, Slavery, Genocide, Domestic violence, Repeated childhood abuse.
What are some critiques of Western trauma diagnoses?
Overemphasis on individual pathology rather than environmental factors. Labels like ‘borderline personality disorder’ shift blame to the individual. Tend to ignore the broader sociocultural contexts of trauma.
What research supports the ICD-11’s separation of PTSD and Complex PTSD?
Studies, such as those by Bottche et al. (2018) and Cloitre et al. (2013), show distinct symptoms and treatment needs for these conditions.
What is the duration difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and PTSD in the DSM-5-TR?
Acute Stress Disorder: Lasts 3 days to 1 month. PTSD: Symptoms persist for more than 1 month.
What are the key elements of hypervigilance in ICD-11 PTSD?
Constant guarding against danger. Heightened startle reactions to stimuli. Adopting safety behaviors (e.g., checking mirrors, avoiding vulnerable positions).
What impact does childhood trauma have on adult mental health diagnoses?
Frequently associated with 4-6 diagnoses, including personality disorders, mood disorders, and dissociative disorders. Childhood trauma is often overlooked in clinical notes, leading to misdiagnosis.
How does misdiagnosis of trauma affect treatment?
Fails to address the trauma’s root causes. Leads to treatment misalignment. Disconnects symptoms from the traumatic experience.
What are the implications of polypharmacy in trauma misdiagnosis?
Results from multiple inaccurate diagnoses. Can lead to unnecessary medication regimens. May exacerbate stigma and hinder effective recovery.
