ptsd_flashcards
What is Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD can develop in people of any age following a traumatic event, for example, a major disaster or childhood sexual abuse. It encompasses what became known as ‘shell shock’ following the first world war. One of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria is that symptoms have been present for more than one month.
What are the features of PTSD?
Features include re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, emotional numbing, depression, drug or alcohol misuse, anger, and unexplained physical symptoms.
What are the re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD?
Re-experiencing symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing intrusive images.
What are the avoidance symptoms of PTSD?
Avoidance symptoms include avoiding people, situations or circumstances resembling or associated with the event.
What are the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD?
Hyperarousal symptoms include hypervigilance for threat, exaggerated startle response, sleep problems, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
What are the emotional numbing symptoms of PTSD?
Emotional numbing symptoms include lack of ability to experience feelings and feeling detached from other people.
What other symptoms can be associated with PTSD?
Other symptoms can include depression, drug or alcohol misuse, anger, and unexplained physical symptoms.
What is the recommended management for PTSD?
Management includes avoiding single-session interventions, watchful waiting for mild symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks, trauma-focused CBT, and EMDR therapy for more severe cases. Drug treatments are not routine first-line treatments.
Are single-session interventions recommended after a traumatic event?
No, single-session interventions (often referred to as debriefing) are not recommended following a traumatic event.
What is the initial approach for mild PTSD symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks?
Watchful waiting may be used for mild symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks.
What specific therapies may be used for more severe PTSD cases?
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be used in more severe cases.
What is the role of drug treatments in managing PTSD?
Drug treatments for PTSD should not be used as a routine first-line treatment for adults.
Which drugs are recommended if drug treatment is used for PTSD?
If drug treatment is used then venlafaxine or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline should be tried.
Which drug may be used in severe cases of PTSD?
In severe cases, NICE recommends that risperidone may be used.
summarise ptsd
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in people of any age following a traumatic event, for example, a major disaster or childhood sexual abuse. It encompasses what became known as ‘shell shock’ following the first world war. One of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria is that symptoms have been present for more than one month.
Features
re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing intrusive images
avoidance: avoiding people, situations or circumstances resembling or associated with the event
hyperarousal: hypervigilance for threat, exaggerated startle response, sleep problems, irritability and difficulty concentrating
emotional numbing - lack of ability to experience feelings, feeling detached
from other people
depression
drug or alcohol misuse
anger
unexplained physical symptoms
Management
following a traumatic event single-session interventions (often referred to as debriefing) are not recommended
watchful waiting may be used for mild symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks
military personnel have access to treatment provided by the armed forces
trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be used in more severe cases
drug treatments for PTSD should not be used as a routine first-line treatment for adults. If drug treatment is used then venlafaxine or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline should be tried. In severe cases, NICE recommends that risperidone may be used