Trauma/stress related disorders

Question 1

Describe the clinical presentations of PTSD, acute stress disorder and adjustment disorder - Develop a management plan for a person with a stress related disorder

Answer 1

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Question 2

Differentials for adjustment disorder

Answer 2

• Major depression
• Acute stress disorder
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Question 3

Management of adjustment disorder

Answer 3

MANAGEMENT:

• Psychotherapy (individual or group therapy), CBT
• Relaxation, yoga, meditation
• Healthy diet and exercise, reduce caffeine
• Stress management (don’t bottle things up!)
• Rarely a short term course of drug treatment is necessary in persistent of severe cases, e.g. diazepam 2-5 mg orally daily of bd or oxazepam 15 30 mg daily or bd.

Question 4

What is adjustment disorder?

Answer 4

A distress situation in excess of what might be expected in response to a particular,
identifiable stressful event (eg. divorce)

• with a number of short term somatic complaints
• within 3 months of the onset of that stressor.
• The symptoms do not persist longer than 6 months after the stressor is resolved.

Question 5

Signs + symptoms of adjustment disorder

Answer 5

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Lack of enjoyment
• Crying spells
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Worry
• Desperation
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling overwhelmed and thoughts of suicide
• Reckless driving
• Ignoring important tasks such as bills or homework
• Avoiding family or friends
• Performing poorly in school/work
• Skipping school/work