PTSD

Question 1

Go through a systematic way of diagnosing PTSD

Answer 1

• TRAUMA 
	• T - traumatic event 
	• R - re-experiencing the event 
	• A - avoidance of stimuli associated w. the trauma 
	• U - unable to fx 
	• M - more than a month
          A - arousal ↑

Question 2

DSM 5 Diagnostic Criteria fo PTSD?

Answer 2

1) Trauma (actual/threatened/injury/sexual)
- direct
- witness
- close family/friends
- repeated exposure

2) >1 intrusion symptom:
- recurrent memories
- recurrent dreams (related to the event)
- flashbacks (need dissociative reactions)
- distress in response to cures

3) Persistent avoidance of stimuli after trauma

4) Negative changes in cognition with 2 of:
- change in memory
- persistent exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself
- distorted cognition
- persistent negative emotional state
- decreased interest in activities used to enjoy

5) marked change in arousal/reactivity
- irritable
- reckless
- hypervigilant
- disturbed sleep

6) lasts longer than 1 month
7) causes functional impairment

Question 3

What are some treatments?

Answer 3

Psychological

• CBT
  1) Stabilisation
  2) Education
  3) anxiety Mg
  4) trauma exposure
  5) cognitive restructuring
  6) relapse prevention
• eye movement desensitisation
• lifestyle factors

Pharmacology:

• SSRIs (at larger dose than depression)
• Others (mirtazapine, moclobemide, TCAs, MAOI)