Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

previous terms for PTSD

-"shell shock" -operational fatigue/war neuroses (WWII) -combat fatigue/combat exhaustion (Korean/Vietnam wars)

what is a strong component of PTSD among combat veterans

-anger and anger-control problems

what is important to keep in mind when discussing individual risk factors for PTSD

-difference btwn risk for experiencing trauma & risk for developing PTSD given exposure to trauma -for example, men at great risk for experiencing trauma, but women are at greater risk for developing PTSD given exposure to trauma

what is sometimes the first symptom of PTSD?

-increased IRRITABILITY and SENSITIVITY (insomnia/recurrent nightmares)

risk factors for PTSD

-lower levels of social support -neuroticism (having tendency to experience negative affect) -preexisting problems w/depression or anxiety -family history of depression/anxiety/substance abuse -appraisal of their own stress symptoms-->if they believe it is a sign of personal weakness, they are more likely to develop PTSD -s/s form of 5-HT transporter gene -small hippocampal volume -negative/unsupportive social environment

name some symptoms of PTSD

-nightmares -excessive startle response -avoidance of stimuli assoc. w/trauma -emotional numbing -MUST be present for minimum of 1 month -MUST cause clinically significant impairments

PTSD symptoms cluster into these 3 areas

1) reliving event through nightmares & intrusive memories 2) avoidance of stimuli associated w/trauma & emotional numbing 3) increased arousal; may involve insomnia, inability to tolerate noise; excessive startle response

immediately following a traumatic event, what disorder would individuals potentially meet criteria for?

Acute Stress disorder

at the time of its entry into DSM, PTSD was considered as a __________________ response to a ________________________ stressor

NORMAL response to a ABNORMAL stressor

true or false? civilians living in war zones are at risk for PTSD

TRUE

what is thought to be at the center of the clinical symptoms of PTSD?

a PATHOLOGICAL MEMORY of the traumatic event

if you have symptoms of PTSD, but have only had them for 1 week, what disorder might you have?

acute stress disorder

PTSD is classified as a

anxiety disorder

how long must symptoms last (at minimum) to meet criteria for PTSD?

at least 1 month

PTSD is unusual in that it is a disorder that has a _______________________, which is inconsistent with the theoretical nature of the DSM

clear and explicit cause (trauma)

give some examples of traumatic stressors that could play a role in PTSD

combat, rape, being confined in a concentration camp, experiencing a natural disaster like a tsunami, earthquake, or tornado

what is a protective factor against developing PTSD

high cognitive abilities/IQ high morale for soldiers

acute stress disorder

occurs within 4 wks of traumatic event lasts minimum of 2 days, max of 4 wks after this time period, the appropriate diagnosis is PTSD

which is more likely to cause PTSD: -traumatic events that result from human intent -traumatic events that are nonpersonal in nature

traumatic events that result from human intent are more likely to lead to PTSD -perhaps b/c they can destroy the sense of safety we assume comes fr being a member of a rule-abiding and lawful social group

lifetime prevalence of PTSD is higher in (women or men)

women