PTSD Flashcards
Students will be able to Describe the symptom clusters in the diagnosis of PTSD, some symptoms from each and be able to recognize the diagnosis in a vignette. List the two most commonly seen psychiatric comorbidities in PTSD. Describe the basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology involved in PTSD. Name the three major evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD and the major active component of all. Name the two FDA-approved treatments for PTSD and be able to pick an effective pharmacot
dx criteria for PTSD
exposure to extreme stressor or traumatic event
reexperiencing/intrusive thoughts or images
avoidance of reminders of the event
hyperarousal
common comorbidity in PTSD
depression and EtOH im 50%
Brain areas inplicated in PTSD
amygdala and medial PFC
define “Extinction”
when the conditioned stimuli occurs repeatedly without the unconditioned stimuli
Goal of exposure therapy
to bring about extinction of learned responses
process of amygdalic fear conditioning
stimuli from the thalmus are transmitted directly or indirectly, via the sensory/PFC to the amygdala
how the amygdala produces autonomic and behavioral aspects of fear response
amygdala transmitts to the brainstem (locus ceruleus and hypothalmus)
imaging shows ______ed activity in the amygdala
increased
medial PFC role in PTSD
hypoactive mPFC does not down-regulate amygdala and leads to hugher autonomic arousal and exaggerated responses
brain regions found to have reduced volume in PTSD
ACC
decreased activity in ______ correlates to more severe PTSD
mPFC
small ______ a risk factor in PTSD
hippocampi
cordinated response to stress is contained by what hormone
cortisol
altered neurotransmitter in PTSD
increased circulating levels of NE
receptors hyperreactive n PTSD
a2 adrenergic receptors
