PTSD

Question 1

What can cause PTSD?

Answer 1

Any event that the individual finds traumatic e.g.

• Violence
• Major car accident
• Major health events
• Natural disasters
• Military events

Question 2

How does PTSD present?

Answer 2

Intrusive thoughts relating to the event
Re-experiencing
Hyperarousal (feeling on edge)
Avoidance of triggers
Negative emotions
Negative beliefs
Sleep difficulty
Depersonalisation (feeling separated on detached)
Derealisation (feeling the world around them is not real)
Emotional numbing

Question 3

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Answer 3

Trauma Screening Questionnaire
Used as screening prompting referral for further assessment

International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

Question 4

How is PTSD managed?

Answer 4

• Psychological therapy (trauma-focused CBT)
• Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication (SSRIs, venlafaxine)

Question 5

What is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)?

Answer 5

Processing traumatic memories while performing specific eye movements

Improperly stored traumatic memories are reprocessed and stored again in a more normal way

No longer causes as much negative emotion and distress