PTSD Flashcards
How is a dx of PTSD differentiated from Acute Stress D/o?
PTSD sx must have been present for >1 month
What is the breakdown of how many sx and types of sx a pt with PTSD must have for dx?
1+ Intrusion Sx
1 or both Avoidance Sx
2+ negative alterations in cognition or mood
2+ alterations in arousal and reactivity
In pts with PTSD, insomnia is either ____ or ____.
primary or middle insomnia
In a pt with PTSD, sx cause a disturbance in _____, not attributable to ____/____
function substance use/medical conditions
What is the only sx of depression that does not overlap w/ PTSD?
↓ appetite
A pt can be dx’d with PTSD w/ dissociative sx if what is present?
depersonalization/derealization persistent/recurrent
A pt can be dx’d with PTSD w/ delayed expression if full criteria not met until after ____(time frame)____ from traumatic event
6 months
In PTSD in children 6 y/o or younger:
- May stem from traumatic events via ______ experiences.
- Intrusive memories may be expressed as _______.
- Content of dreams and nightmares often (cannot/can) be recalled
- Negative alterations in cognitions or mood may manifest as _______ and/or ______.
- ______ behavior and new_______ fears are common.
- New unexplained ______ sx may occur (i.e. _______)
- “________ trauma” may have long-lasting impacts.
- Caregiver
- play re-enactment
- cannot
- social withdrawal; constriction of play
- Regressive; separation
- somatic; tummy ache
- Developmental
Upon PE of a pt with PTSD, a pt may present w/_____ resulting from trauma, general appearance or hygiene may be affected
injuries
Pts with PTSD may have ______ complaints/medical conditions indicative of dysregulated stress responses, such as what 5 complaints?
somatic
HTN, CVD, HA, PUD, IBS
T/F There are no validated dx lab tests or neuroimaging for PTSD
T
_______ atrophy may correlate w/ intensity of sx, and the _____ axis is likely abnormal in patients with PTSD
Hippocampal
H-P-A
As part of the Mental Status Exam for a pt with PTSD, you should observe the patient’s ____, ____, and _____.
hygiene, resting activity level, startle response
What additional things should you assess a pt with PTSD for on the mental status exam? (FYI)
Orientation, short term memory may be affected
Poor concentration, forgetfulness may be evident
Potential alterations in speech rate/volume/flow
Mood and affective changes are common
Assess for perceptual disturbances (flashbacks, hallucinations)
What should you always ask a pt with PTSD about?
Always ask about suicidal/homicidal ideation/behavior
Pts with PTSD are at risk for many complications of their dx, including ↑ risks of _____ behavior, anxiety/depression, somatization, and suicide/homicide, in addition to ↑ risks of CVD, such as ____, ____, ____, and ____.
impulsive
HTN, CHF, PVD, and MI
One study of pts with PTSD found ↑ rates of _____ in older male veterans
dementia
In regards to substance abuse in pts with PTSD, pts will use alcohol (more/less), with ____, ____, and ____.
↑ use
craving, dependence, legal problems
In regards to substance abuse in pts with PTSD, pts will use opioids with an ↑ misuse/abuse potential due to _________. Subjectively, pts with PTSD claim that opioids are _______ in improving sx.
co-occurring pain syndromes
Opioids are highly effective in improving sx
When treating a pt with PTSD, the provider should consider impacts of the dx on the pt’s family and support system. The pt’s caregivers/family may also experience ____, ____, ____, and ____. If the pt’s condition is chronic, feelings of ____/____ may develop towards the victim.
shock, fear, anger, depression
alienation/anger
*Emphasize importance of individual and family therapy
Anger management, couples therapy, Family therapy
Encourage family to maintain other relationships and activities
Prognosis of PTSD is highly (variable/predictable), individual cases are (straightforward/difficult) to determine
variable, difficult
Some individuals w/ PTSD gradually recover (with/without) tx
without