PTSD Flashcards
Post traumatic stress disorder
Non recovery in response to an event that threatened one’s life or bodily integrity
Post traumatic stress disorder symptoms (1+ months)
1) Intrusion: Recurrent re-experiencing of traumatic event
2) Persistent avoidance: Avoids memories and reminders
3) Negative alterations in cognitions and mood: Maladaptive thinking patterns (seeing world as dangerous, self-blame) and mood (emotional numbing, social detachment)
4) Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Hyperarousal and hyper reactivity
- Quick to anger and easy to startle
- Sleep disturbances and low concentration
- Self-destructive
How to diagnose post traumatic stress disorder?
Semi-structured clinical interview
Questionnaires
Which dissociative symptoms can appear in post traumatic stress disorder?
Depersonalization
Derealization
Social and neurobiological risk factors that can cause post traumatic stress disorder
Pre-event:
- Low SES, education, IQ
- Childhood abuse
Post-event:
- Severe triggering event
- Lack of social support
- Stressful exp after event
Neurobiological:
- Abnormal hippocamus brain volume
- Endocrine function altered (esp. w/ cortisol)
Effect of pharmacotherapy on post traumatic stress disorder:
Benzodiazepines
Tricyclic antidepressants
SSRIs
Benzodiazepines: Act on GABA to reduce anxiety
Tricyclic antidepressants: Blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin
SSRIs: Inhibits reuptake of serotonin
Cognitive-behavioural treatment
Exposure techniques
(post traumatic stress disorder)
Cognitive-behavioural treatment:
- Cognitive restructuring: Change person’s incorrect and unhelpful thinking
- Monitors and examines their thoughts to develop more balanced appraisals (way of responding)
Exposure techniques:
- Targets pattern of avoidance thru exposure to memories (retelling memory until desensitized)
- Aims to make sense of trauma
Difference in post traumatic stress disorder between men and women?
Women more likely to experience longer PTSD symptoms
