Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Flashcards
An event that causes threat to life or body integrity, including witnessing of violence or learning of a traumatic event of a loved one, is called _________.
trauma
A subset of trauma defined by human perpetration (the perpetrator is often known to the victim) is called _________.
abuse
The lifetime prevalence of PTSD is ________. The prevalence of PTSD in the general population is____.
The lifetime prevalence of PTSD is 6.4-8.3%. The prevalence of PTSD in the general population is 3-4%.
Are males or females more likely to experience PTSD?
Females are more likely to experience PTSD (Female: Male = 2:1).
What are the 4 core symptoms of PTSD?
- Intrusive re-experiencing.
- Avoidance of reminders
- Negative alterations in mood and cognition
- increased autonomic arousal (hyperarousal) and reactivity
Gayle’s daughter, the salutatorian, has nightmares about her childhood. She frequently experiences unwanted flashbacks and intrusive, involuntary, and distressing memories. Which of the core symptoms of PTSD is she experiencing?
intrusive re-experiencing
Cam avoids speaking with his sister on the telephone, as he unconsciously or consciously associates her with inferiority and bullying in his childhood. Which of the core symptoms of PTSD is he experiencing?
avoidance of reminders
Rob is a veteran who returned from combat 7 months ago. Recently, he has distanced himself from his family and friends (exhibiting estrangement of others), has had no interest in fishing (an activity which he previously really enjoyed). His buddy Jim who returned from combat with him, noticed that Rob cannot remember key details of their time in combat together. Rob is consistently in a negative emotional state (feeling fear, horror, anger, and shame), and has only negative beliefs about himself, others, and the world in general. Rob is experiencing which core symptom of PTSD?
negative alterations in mood and cognition
Sally has a history of rape and physical abuse. She is experiencing difficulty sleeping, hyper-vigilance, irritable behavior and angry outbursts. Lately, she has engaged in reckless and began cutting herself (engaging in self-destructive behavior). When her roommate walks into her bedroom, she has an exaggerated startle response. Which core symptom of PTSD is Sally experiencing?
increased autonomic arousal (hyperarousal) and reactivity
______ is similar to PTSD but is more focused on dissociative symptoms like numbness, detachment, derealization, and depersonalization. It typically occurs _________ after a traumatic event and is NOT predicative of later PTSD>
Acute-onset Stress Disorder (ASD) typically occurs 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event.
__________ PTSD occurs greater than 6 months after a traumatic event.
delayed onset (“classic”)
Marissa was recently in a car accident in which her father passed away and she almost died. She remembers experiencing dissociation during the event. The therapist that she sees for major depression recommended that she see a PTSD specialist. Her father, a retired veteran, saw a PTSD specialist prior to his death, but she thinks it will be too painful to see the same one as he did. So she comes to see you! What risk factors for PTSD does Marissa present with?
Risk factors for PTSD include: - Severity of trauma - Dissociation at the time of trauma - genetic variability (genetic predisposition to PTSD) - pre-existing psychiatric disorder (or family history of a psychiatric disorder) - lack of available support systems ALSO: - history of previous trauma
What is the recommended treatment for PTSD?
Psychoeducation + psychotherapy +
- 1st line: antidepressants and tx of comorbid conditions
- 2nd line: mood-stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics
_______ is a psychophysiological syndrome that follows exposure to a traumatic event such as threatened or actual death, sexual violence, or serious injury.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mary has a history of sexual abuse. She was previously both mentally and physically healthy until she suddenly began experiencing nightmares, along with an inability to sleep, an exaggerated startle response, and an inability to remember key details of the traumatic event.
She has a solid social support system and has been safe and secure from sexual abuse for ten years. She has no history of alcohol or other substance abuse. What factors are predictive of a positive outcome of PTSD?
The following factors are predictive of a positive outcome of PTSD:
- solid social support system
- good psychiatric and medical health before trauma occurred
- rapid onset of symptoms
- risk of trauma is not ongoing
- lack of alcohol or drug use
