Lecture 16 PTSD and its Treatment

Question 1

PTSD

Answer 1

post traumatic stress disorder

Formerly known as traumatic war neurosis, shell shock, battle fatigue, soldiers’ heart, etc.

Question 2

What is the triad of symptom cluster?

Answer 2

• Experiencing a traumatic event which is re-experienced by recurrent images, thoughts, perceptions, recurrent distressing dreams, reliving the event, and intense distress after exposure to symbolic cues
• Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with trauma
• Emotional detachment (“numbing”) and hyperarousal (insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, paranoia)

Question 3

What is the probability of developing PTSD after a traumatic event?

Answer 3

men 8–13%, women 20–30%

-50-90% of the population may be exposed to traumatic events during their lifetime, but only 25% develop symptoms of PTSD

Question 4

What are comorbidities of PTSD?

Answer 4

Extremely high level of co-morbidity with depression, anxiety, substance abuse

Question 5

What are some changes in the brain of PTSD patients?

Answer 5

• reduced hippocampal volume
• reduced endorphin levels
• enlarged amygdala
• reduced corticotropin releasing factor/hormone (CRF/CRH) levels

Question 6

What are the treatments for PTSD

Answer 6

Medications are part of an integrative strategy that also includes individual group/psychotherapy, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, stress reduction strategies