PTSD

Question 1

What is the difference between type 1 and 2 trauma?

Answer 1

Type 1 - single event

Type 2 - repetitive e.g. child abuse, concentration camps

Question 2

What part of the brain has been showed to be atrophied in those who have experienced trauma?

Answer 2

Hippocampus

Question 3

To be diagnosed with PSTD you must have experienced a traumatic event, be causing functional impairment and have a month of symptoms which include:

• 1+ intrusive symptoms
• 1 avoidance symptoms
• 1+ negative alterations in cognition and mood
• 2+ changes in arousal and reactivity

Give examples of each of these categories

Answer 3

Intrusive

• nightmares
• flashbacks
• distress accompanying reminders

Avoidance

• avoidance of thoughts/feelings around the event
• avoidance of external reminders

Negative alterations in cognition and mood

• amnesia for parts of the trauma
• loss of interest
• negative affect
• overly negative thoughts about self/world
• isolation
• emotional numbing

Arousal and reactivity

• sleep problems
• irritability/aggression
• concentration problems
• hypervigilance
• exaggerated startle response
• risky and destructive behaviour

Question 4

Drugs are important in management of PTSD. T/F?

Answer 4

F - little evidence

Drugs are important for management of co-morbities

Question 5

CBT and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) are important for management.

CBT can be started after a month of traumatising event, can EMDR be started at same time?

Answer 5

Must wait at least 3 months