trauma and stressor-related disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, and associated symptoms and features.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Essential feature of PTSD

Development of certain symptoms after exposure to one or more traumatic events.

Symptoms of PTSD

Include intrusive symptoms, avoidance behaviors, negative thoughts or mood, and arousal and reactivity.

Acute Stress Disorder

Diagnosis when symptoms last from 3 days to less than one month following a traumatic event.

Adjustment Disorder

Psychological response to an identifiable stressor leading to significant emotional and behavioral reactions.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Characterized by significant inhibition and withdrawal behaviors toward caregivers, evident before age 5.

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

Marked by indiscriminate behavior towards unfamiliar adults, typically evident for more than 12 months.

Emotional numbing

A coping mechanism involving disconnecting from feelings and experiences.

Affective symptoms of stress impact

Include anxiety, irritability, restricted affect, and traumatic dreams.

Maladaptive thoughts

Cognitive distortions affecting memory, concentration, and hypervigilance.

Exposure to violence or abuse

Increases the risk of high-risk behaviors in adolescents such as substance use and suicide attempts.

Common somatic symptoms in children

Headaches and stomachaches.

Hyperarousal symptom

Includes irritability, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

Fearfulness as a symptom

Evident in children with RAD as they do not seek comfort from caregivers.