Week Nine - Clinical Psychology II

Question 1

PTSD and its initial introduction as a disorder?

Answer 1

First named after the Vietnam War. The presentation was highly variable and criteria did not fully capture signs and symptoms

Question 2

Complex PTSD?

Answer 2

Meets the criteria of PTSD with 3 additions:

• Somatisation
• Dissociation
• Affective Changes

Question 3

What is Somatisation in relation to cPTSD

Answer 3

Constant anxiety/hypervigilance leading to psychosomatic symptoms (can increase over time

Question 4

What is Dissociation in relation to cPTSD?

Answer 4

Disconnecting from ones thoughts/feelings/environment which can be intentional or unintentional

Question 5

What is Affective Change in relation to cPTSD?

Answer 5

An action caused by emotions: Chronic depression, limited ability to express anger/frustration which can lead to later outbursts or withdrawal, self hard

Question 6

The nature of the 3 additional experiences can lead to:

Answer 6

Relational difficulties: eg assumption that disagreement will be violent, conflicting between love and fear
Changes to self: eg feeling no longer human, no identity, evil or shameful

Question 7

Key thing with cPTSD 3 additional symptoms?

Answer 7

HUGE CF with DID and other personality disorders

Question 8

The important fact with cPTSD?

Answer 8

The distinction is not the type of trauma but the duration and lack of control/escape capabilities
EXAMPLES:
PTSD = sexual assault
cPTSD = human trafficking
PTSD = single physical assault
cPTSD = domestic violence
PTSD = violence in combat
cPTSD = childhood abuse
PTSD = natural disaster
cPTSD = cults, concentration camps

Question 9

PTSD vs cPTSD?

Answer 9

Typically associated with a single event or a number of events in a short period of time. Often associated with looking back and reliving the experience.

Exposure to prolonged repeated trauma in what is traditionally a safe setting

Question 10

cPTSD and DSM?

Answer 10

Not in the DSM because 92% of people with cPTSD met criteria for PTSD. Reviews found no evidence to support cPTSD as a diagnosis

Question 11

ICD-11 and cPTSD?

Answer 11

cPTSD was added in the ICD-11. Was characterised by the same symptoms of PTSD but included
1) severe and pervasive problems in affect regulation
2) persistent beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless,
accompanied by deep and pervasive feelings of shame, guilt or failure related to the traumatic event
3) persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others

Question 12

What is diagnosing cPTSd useful for?

Answer 12

To inform treatment as often requires long term and supportive care