PTSD

Question 1

PTSD Symptoms

Answer 1

> 1 Month

re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing intrusive images
avoidance: avoiding people, situations or circumstances resembling or associated with the event
hyperarousal: hypervigilance for threat, exaggerated startle response, sleep problems, irritability and difficulty concentrating
emotional numbing - lack of ability to experience feelings, feeling detached

Question 2

Managing PTSD

Answer 2

following a traumatic event single-session interventions (often referred to as debriefing) are not recommended

watchful waiting may be used for mild symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks

trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be used in more severe cases

drug treatments for PTSD should not be used as a routine first-line treatment for adults. If drug treatment is used then venlafaxine or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline should be tried. In severe cases, NICE recommends that risperidone may be used