Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Child Maltreatment

Flashcards covering key concepts of PTSD and child maltreatment for exam preparation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by exposure to traumatic events, characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories and emotional distress.

Child Maltreatment

Any act or failure to act by a parent or caretaker that results in death, serious harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation of a child.

Neglect

Failure to provide for a child's basic physical, emotional, educational, and medical needs.

Physical Abuse

Injury inflicted on a child through acts such as punching, beating, or burning.

Sexual Abuse

Inappropriate sexual behavior towards a child, including exploitation or exposure to sexual acts.

Emotional Abuse

Behavior that severely damages a child's emotional well-being or sense of self-worth.

Prevalence of Child Abuse

Statistical occurrence of child maltreatment; for example, 1 in 7 children experience abuse or neglect.

Symptoms of PTSD

Invasive thoughts and behaviors following trauma, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of reminders.

Cognitive Trauma Symptoms

Negative changes in beliefs and self-perception due to trauma, such as distorted cognitions and distrust.

Trauma-Informed Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

An evidence-based treatment designed for children and adolescents addressing PTSD symptoms.

Graduated Exposure

A gradual process of exposing patients to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety responses.

In-vivo Exposure

Real-life exposure to feared situations or triggers as part of therapy.

Conjoint Sessions

Therapy sessions where both the child and parent are present to address trauma narratives.

Enhancing Safety

Teaching children and caregivers effective coping strategies for recognizing safe and unsafe situations.

Treatment Goals for PTSD

Objectives in therapy aiming to reduce stress, challenge distorted beliefs, and expose clients to their fears.

Adjustment Disorder

Emotional and behavioral symptoms occurring in response to stressors that do not meet the criteria for PTSD.

When to Report Child Abuse

Knowledge of signs or situations indicating abuse is critical; fear of disbelief or retaliation may prevent reporting.

Natural and Human-made Trauma

Types of trauma that can lead to PTSD, including disasters and acts of violence.

Affective Dysregulation

Emotional instability seen in trauma responses, including severe mood swings.

Cognitive Coping

Strategies employed to challenge and reshape negative thought patterns in individuals with PTSD.