PTSD Overview and Treatment

Flashcards reviewing key concepts, symptoms, risk factors, and treatments related to PTSD.

What are the traumatic stressors according to DSM-5 Criterion A?

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence through direct experience, witnessing it, learning it occurred to a close relative, or repeated exposure to details.

What percentage of people experience or witness traumatic events in their lifetimes?

60-70%.

Name three common traumas.

Car accidents, natural disasters, and sexual assault.

What are the symptoms of PTSD according to Criterion B?

1+ recurrent intrusion/re-experiencing symptoms related to trauma, such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks.

What type of symptoms does Criterion C for PTSD include?

1+ symptoms of persistent avoidance, including avoidance of external and internal reminders of the trauma.

What changes are observed in thoughts/feelings according to Criterion D for PTSD?

2+ symptoms including changes in beliefs about self/world, persistent negative emotions, numbness towards positive emotions, and detachment.

List some symptoms of altered reactivity in Criterion E for PTSD.

Irritability, reckless behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulties sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

What is the duration of symptoms required for a PTSD diagnosis?

Symptoms must last for 1 month or more.

What is the difference between PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

PTSD requires 1 month duration with specific symptoms; ASD requires 9+ symptoms within 3 days to 1 month.

What percentage of individuals exposed to trauma meet PTSD criteria?

About 7%.

Which groups are at higher risk for developing PTSD?

Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and African-Americans.

What are some associative problems related to PTSD?

Sleep disturbance, depression, substance use, suicidality, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks.

What are the main psychological risk factors for PTSD?

Pre-existing beliefs about the world, pre-existing distress, and coping styles such as avoidance and substance use.

What type of biological differences are associated with PTSD?

Physiological hyper-reactivity, amygdala hyper-reactivity, decreased prefrontal cortex activity, increased heart rate, and chronically low cortisol levels.

What treatments are considered effective for PTSD?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adaptations including Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

What does Prolonged Exposure treatment for PTSD involve?

Patients confront trauma narratives and avoidant behaviors through repeated exposure.

What does Cognitive Processing Therapy focus on in treating PTSD?

Identifying and challenging cognitive distortions related to trauma, including rewriting trauma narratives.