Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Question 1

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Answer 1

PTSD is delayed and/or protracted reaction to a stressor of exceptional severity

Examples of stressors include combat, natural or human-caused disasters, rape, assault, torture, and witnessing any of these events.

Question 2

What are the three key elements to PTSD reaction?

Answer 2

• Hyperarousal
• Re-experiencing phenomena
• Avoidance of reminders

Each element includes specific symptoms and behaviors associated with PTSD.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Hyperarousal in PTSD?

Answer 3

• Persistent anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Poor concentration

These symptoms reflect a heightened state of alertness and anxiety.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Re-experiencing phenomena in PTSD?

Answer 4

• Intense intrusive images
• Flashbacks when awake
• Nightmares during sleep

These symptoms cause individuals to relive the traumatic event.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Avoidance of reminders in PTSD?

Answer 5

• Emotional numbness
• Cue avoidance
• Recall difficulties
• Diminished interests

These symptoms lead to efforts to avoid situations or reminders related to the trauma.

Question 6

What factors predispose a person to PTSD?

Answer 6

• Mood disorder
• Previous trauma, especially as a child
• Lack of social support
• Female

These factors increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event.

Question 7

What factors protect a person from PTSD?

Answer 7

• Higher education and social group
• Good paternal relationship

These protective factors can mitigate the impact of trauma.

Question 8

What is the relationship between genetic susceptibility and PTSD?

Answer 8

Susceptibility to PTSD is partly genetic

Genetic factors can influence an individual’s response to trauma.

Question 9

What is the treatment for Mild Symptomatic PTSD?

Answer 9

Watchful waiting and review in a month

This approach monitors the individual’s symptoms without immediate intervention.

Question 10

What are the treatments for Severe Symptomatic PTSD?

Answer 10

• Trauma-focused CBT
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Drug therapy: SSRIs or Tricyclic Antidepressants

These treatments aim to alleviate severe symptoms and address the underlying trauma.

Question 11

True or False: Drug therapy for PTSD has a risk of dependence.

Answer 11

True

This is particularly true for any sedatives used in treatment.