Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

University:
The University Of Western Ontario
Course:
Pathology 3500B | Human Pathology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

286

Pages:

3
Author:

Kyuwon J.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ● Mental health disorder post experiencing/witnessing traumatic event ● Persistent psychological distress + emotional reaction on traumatic experience ● PTSD may develop after being exposed to severe trauma ○ Physical/emotional abuse ○ Serious accidents ○ Natural disasters ○ War/combat exposure ○ Violent assaults ● Overwhelming ability of brain to cope stress + fear Pathophysiology 1. Overreaction of amygdala - process on fear 2. Reduction in activity in prefrontal cortex - regulation of emotional responses 3. Hippocampus altered and changed - memory affection + emotional processing 4. Dysregulation of stress hormones like cortisol Change cause the brain to be altered constantly as if it is in threat (threat perception) R ● Previous traumatic experience ● Lacking social support ● Hx on mental health disorder ● High level of stress after traumatizing event ● Genetic vulnerability Cx ● Instrusive smx ○ Flashback of traumatic event ○ Distressing memory ○ Nightmares ● Avoidance smx ○ Avoiding place/people/activities with relation to trauma ○ Avoiding thoughts and feeling of the event ● Negative change in mood + thinking ○ Persistent fear and guilt ○ Detached feeling from other ○ Loss of interest in activities ● Changes in arousal and reactivity ○ Irritability ○ Difficulty sleeping ○ Difficulty concentrating ○ Startled easily Dx ● Clinical and psychological assessment ● Smx lasting 1mo+ ● Significant impact on daily functioning Can use dx criteria from DSM-5 Tx ● Psychotherapy ○ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ○ Trauma-focused therapy ○ Exposure therapy ● Medication ○ Sertaline ■ Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor ■ Increase in serotonin level in brain - regulate mood + anxiety ■ Reduce in fear,intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress bound to trauma ■ Help with mood,sleep, and concentration for people with PTSD ○ Paroxetine ■ Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor ■ Prevents brain to reuptake serotonin - more serotonin to remain active ■ Assist with stabilizing mood, reduce anxiety, panic, and flashback ■ Used to reduce PTSD smx - hyperarousal, irritability, and depression Medication could help regulating mood,anxiety, and stress responses. Complication ● Depression ● Substance abuse ● Difficulties in relationship ● Increased risk of suicide