Responses to Trauma Flashcards
What occurs in type I trauma?
A single unexpected incident causes trauma
Give some causes of type II trauma
Repetitive trauma
Ongoing abuse
Betrayal of trust
Developmental trauma
Patients with early life trauma will only require pharmacotherapy. True/false?
False - require psychotherapy as an adjunct
In which part of the brain do anxiety and fear originate?
Brainstem
What state occurs in the presence of inescapable threat?
Tonic immobility
Tonic immobility is also commonly seen in victims of what?
Sexual assault
Give some features of tonic immobility
Decreased vocalisation Intermittent eye contact Rigidity Muscle tremors Chills Unresponsive to pain
What does ICD define as a traumatic event response?
A delayed/protracted response to an exceptionally threatening event that is likely to cause distress in anyone
What are some patient-related risk factors for traumatic event response?
Low cortisol
History of mental illness
Serious physical injury
Loss of daily function
What are the DSM IV criteria for PTSD?
Traumatic event 1+ intrusive symptom 3+ avoidance symptom 2+ increased arousal Lasting 1 month
Give examples of intrusive phenomena that may be seen in PTSD
Recurrent recollections
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Fight or flight reaction
Give some avoidance symptoms that may be seen in PTSD
Avoidance of thinking/talking about event Avoidance of reminders Amnesia Loss of interest Detachment
Give some hyperarousal symptoms that may be seen in PTSD
Sleep disturbance Irritability/anger Concentration difficulties Hypervigilance Exaggerated startle response
What is complex PTSD?
Having PTSD symptoms + Cognitive disturbances Identity disturbance Emotional dysregulation Interpersonal difficulties Dissociation Somatisation
What areas of the brain are important in PTSD?
Hippocampus
Amygdala
