University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

203

Pages:

2
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Post-Traumatic Stress disorder DEFINITION Distressing symptoms related to a specific traumatic event, which lasts for more than one month EPIDEMIOLOGY ✓ Lifetime prevalence: 6-9% ✓ More common in females than males, 4:1 AETIOLOGY ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Sexual abuse (most common) Physical abuse Accidents Natural disasters War Natural disasters Trauma Witnessing death DIAGNOSIS To be considered a PTSD patient; they must exhibit: ✓ Exposure to a traumatic event ✓ One or more intrusion symptoms - Repeated nightmares about event - Reoccurring involuntary memories of even - Flashbacks and feeling as though the event is happening again - Strong body reactions against it when being reminded. For example, fast heart rate - Strong and persistent distress signs connected to the event that is happening again ✓ One or more avoidance symptoms - Avoiding: people, place, conversations, activities, or anything that resembles the memory. ✓ Two or more symptoms of negative feelings - Lost of interest in things that they used to enjoy - Feeling detached from others - Can’t experience positive feelings - Can’t remember important aspects of the event - Increased self-blame and blame for others ✓ Two or more symptoms of changes in arousal or reactivity - Difficulty concentrating - Heightened startle response - Impulsive or self-destructive behaviour - Irritability or aggressive behaviour - Sleeping issues ✓ Must last for longer than one month ✓ Must bring about considerable stress and/or greatly affect multiple areas of the patient’s life ✓ Must not be due to a medical condition or some form of substance use TREATMENT ✓ First line treatment: - Psychotherapy: ➢ Trauma focused cognitive-behaviour therapy Behavioural modifications and cognitive restructuring to change disruptive thought patterns Involves exposure therapy (returning to event, for example showing images of war) ➢ Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing ✓ Pharmacotherapy - Prazosin: used for nightmares - SSRI: used to treat depression