PTSD

PTSD DSM 5 criteria

• exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence

• the presence of 1 or more intrusion symptoms

• persistent avoidance of stimuli

• negative alterations in cognition and mood

• marked alterations in arousal or reactivity

what are the crucial details with “exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence”

• this is a non negotiable

• it can happen to you, someone else, or you could learn about the trauma

what falls under intrusion symptoms

• recurrent, involuntary, distressing memories

• distressing dreams about trauma

• dissociations (flashbacks) of the trauma

• one is distressed when exposed to the internal/external cues associated with the trauma

what does “negative alterations in cognition and mood” mean in the PTSD DSM criteria

• inability to remember trauma

• negative beliefs about oneself, the world, and others

• distorted cognitions about the cause/consequences of the trauma

• persistent negative emotional state

• diminished interest in activities

• feelings of detachment

• can't experience positive emotions

what does “marked alterations in arousal or reactivity ” mean in the PTSD DSM criteria

THERE MUST BE 2 OR MORE OF THESE

• outbursts

• destructive behavior

• hypervigilence —- constantly alert

• exaggerated startle response

• can’t concentrate

• sleeping problems

how long do all of these symptoms must be present

1 month

PTSD CAUSES: Features of the trauma

• intensity of exposure / proximity

• extent of threat

• natural vs manmade

PTSD CAUSES: features of the person

• pre trauma psychological adjustment

• family history (generalized vulnerability)

• cognitive coping skills

• feelings of guilt

PTSD CAUSES: features of post trauma environment

• availability and quality of social support

• additional major stressors

PTSD Biological Treatments

SSRIs. not super helpful for dealing with the cause of trauma, but treats secondary symptoms (like hypervigelence)

PTSD psychological Treatments

• exposure techniques

• cognitive techniques

  • reverses faulty belief system

• group therapy

  • allows people with the same trauma to related to each other