PTSD

Question 1

What is PTSD?

Answer 1

A disorder that can develop (immediately or delayed) after a stressful even or situation of extremely threatening or catastrophic nature

Question 2

What kind of events can cause PTSD?

Answer 2

serious accident 
school violence 
domestic violence 
natural disaster 
terrorist attack 
torture 
combat exposure 
sudden death of loved one 
rape or sexual abuse

Question 3

What are the 4 types of symptoms you get with PTSD?

Answer 3

intrusions
avoidance
negative alterations in modi and cognition
alterations in arousal or reactivity

Question 4

What are intrusions?

Answer 4

flashbacks
intrusive images and sensory impressions
dreams/nightmares

Question 5

What is avoidance?

Answer 5

avoiding people, situations or circumstances resembling or associating with the event

Question 6

What are some negative alterations in mood and cognition?

Answer 6

feeling alienated from others
constricted affect
diminished interest in activities
distorted negative beliefs in oneself/ the world
inability to remember key details of the event

Question 7

What are some alterations in arousal or reactivity?

Answer 7

hyper vigilance 
exaggerated startle response 
irritability 
difficulty concentrating 
sleep problems

Question 8

What are some risk factors for developing PTSD?

Answer 8

low social support
history of mental disorder
history of drug and alcohol abuse

Question 9

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Answer 9

PTSD checklist

Davidson trauma scale etc.

Question 10

What is the treatment of PTSD?

Answer 10

watchful waiting and follow up
trauma focused CBT
antidepressants
- SSRIs e.g. paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline

Question 11

Why might antidepressants be started before CBT?

Answer 11

If the patient either:

• expresses preference not to engage in CBT
• can’t start CBT due to serious ongoing threat e.g. domestic violence
• lack of availability