key term - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Definition

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in cognition and mood, and heightened physiological arousal.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a wide range of traumatic events, including combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, and serious accidents.
2. Symptoms of PTSD typically begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but may not manifest until years later in some cases.
3. PTSD is often accompanied by comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.
4. Effective treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, as well as medication management.
5. Risk factors for developing PTSD include the severity of the traumatic event, prior trauma exposure, lack of social support, and genetic predisposition.

Review Questions

• Explain the key symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and how they impact an individual's daily functioning.
  • The core symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative changes in cognition and mood (such as persistent negative emotions, detachment from others, and inability to experience positive emotions), and heightened physiological arousal (including hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and difficulty sleeping). These symptoms can significantly impair an individual's ability to engage in daily activities, maintain relationships, and perform at work or school.
• Describe the role of trauma in the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and the factors that may increase an individual's risk of developing PTSD.
  • PTSD is triggered by exposure to a traumatic event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. The severity of the trauma, the individual's prior trauma history, the availability of social support, and genetic predisposition can all influence the risk of developing PTSD. Individuals who have experienced more severe or prolonged trauma, have a history of previous trauma, lack a strong support system, or have a genetic vulnerability are at a higher risk of developing PTSD following a traumatic event.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and explain how they help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall functioning.
  • Trauma-focused psychotherapies, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, have been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of PTSD. These therapies help individuals confront and process their traumatic memories, challenge maladaptive beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies. Medication management, particularly with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be an important component of PTSD treatment, as it can help alleviate symptoms like hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance. By addressing the core symptoms of PTSD through a combination of evidence-based psychotherapy and medication, individuals can significantly improve their ability to manage their symptoms, reduce the impact of the disorder on their daily lives, and enhance their overall functioning and quality of life.

Related terms

Trauma:

A deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, often leading to feelings of helplessness, fear, and loss of control.

Hyperarousal: A state of increased physiological and emotional reactivity, including heightened startle response, irritability, and difficulty sleeping, that is characteristic of PTSD.

Avoidance:

The conscious or unconscious effort to avoid thoughts, feelings, or situations associated with the traumatic event, which is a key symptom of PTSD.