PTSD Flashcards
What is a complex somatic, cognitive, affective, and behavioral effects of psychological trauma
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What has a strong correlation with PTSD
TBI
What portions of the brain is affected by PTSD
- Left amygdala (fear center)
- Hippocampus (memories)
- Anterior cingulate cortex
- Increased norepinepherine levels
What portions of the brain is affected by PTSD
- Left amygdala (fear center)
- Hippocampus (memories)
- Anterior cingulate cortex
- Increased norepinephrine levels
Pt presents with:
Affective dysregulation (e.g. anger), cognitive impairment, and behavioral responses to regular stimuli leads to:
Flashbacks
Severe anxiety
Fleeing
Combative behaviors
PTSD
PTSD causes what sx by avoiding triggering experiences?
Diminished interests
Emotional numbing
Detachment from others
Common screening questions for PTSD
How do you feel when you recall the event?
Do you experience dreams or flashbacks about it?
Do you find yourself avoiding people or activities you associate with the event?
Do you find yourself forgetting things from that period?
Do you find yourself carefully looking around when you are in a public place?
Do you have nightmares about the event?
Do you try hard to not think about the event?
Do you ever feel numb or detached from people around you?
Do you feel guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others about the event?
How long must sx be present prior to dx PTSD?
4 weeks
When managing PTSD, should you focus on screening or diagnosing?
Screening, when in doubt refer to psychiatry
What are psychotherapy treatments for PTSD
Exposure therapy
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is the goal for psychotherapy for patients with PTSD
Help patient integrate the event in an adaptive way of having survived
What is the first line medications for PTSD
SSRI
Ex. Sertraline
What medication can be given for nightmares for PTSD?
Prazosin
What medication can be given for tremors/sympathetic response for PTSD
Beta blocker
What medication can be given for comorbid psychosis for PTSD
Antipsychotics
