PTSD Flashcards
define ptsd
post traumatic stress disorder where pt experiences stressful event that causes anxiety, detachment, guilt, and other s/s
diagnosis is made after 6 months of traumatic event
s/s of ptsd
- flashbacks and dreams about traumatic event
- avoidance of triggers that remind them of event
- detachment from social circle
- dissociation (amnesia, depersonalization, derealization)
- hypervigilance w/ heightened startle responses
- difficulty concentrating
may develop comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, drug abuse, etc
ptsd checklist is…
a self-survey that has traumatic life events and they can describe the severity of their symptoms
4 cardinal symptoms of s/s ptsd
- recurrent flashbacks, memories, intrusive thoughts
- avoidance
- negative cognition
- hyperarousal/hypervigilance (being on guard)
adjustment disorder
less severe than ASD & PTSD
reaction to stressful event causes dysfunction in pt’s life
does not last more than 6 months usually
most common events: finances, work-related, relationship stressors
ptsd recovery may take up to …
1 year for about 50% of people
acute stress disorder
exposure to stressful event causing reexperiencing, avoidance, & hyperarousal that may last from couple days to 1 month after the traumatic event
if not properly treated may lead to PTSD
t/x of acute stress disorder/ ASD
CBT that focuses on exposure and anxiety management
early treatment decreases progression to PTSD
define RAD
reactive attachment disorder
occurs before 5 yrs old
child lacks emotional attachment to caregivers bc of emotional neglect or abuse
s/s sad, irritable, afraid for no apparent reason
define DSED
disinhibited social engagement disorder
usually occurs before 5 yrs.
child does not have “stranger danger” thoughts
is comfortable with interacting with strangers and leaving with strangers
may act overly familiar trying to get hugs etc with strangers
how is PTSD & acute stress disorder different from other anxiety disorders?
person needs to have experienced or be exposed to traumatic event
t/x of PTSD
exposure therapy: combo of relaxation techniques w/ exposure to traumatic situation, can repeat event verbally or reeanct the event, t/x is supposed to decrease anxiety response
adaptive disclosure: specialized CBT approach developed by military to have intense, specific, short term therapy, uses exposure therapy w/ empty chair method where they say wtv they need to anyone alive or dead
cognitive processing therapy: pt focuses on understanding their beliefs that are interferring with their daily life (ex: guilt, self-blame) and regaining a more balanced and realistic way of thinking about the world and themselves
most effective medications are…
SSRIs & SNRIs
- fluoxetine
- paroxetine
- sertraline
- venlafaxine
helps with dealing w/ insomnia, anxiety, hyperarousal
needs to be combined with CBT/therapy to be effective
benzos are widely used in practice but there is no evidence showing efficacy
pt education for ptsd
PRIORITY IS PT SAFETY monitor for SI/ self-harm
use grounding technique during dissociative episodes
teach relaxation methods (journaling, excerise, deep breathing, etc)
view the pt as a SURVIVOR instead of victim
dissociative amnesia
unable to recall personal info r/t trauma,
fugue experience is where they have: no memory of past events to trauma or their whole identity, pt suddenly moves to new location
