PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Flashcards
What is PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)?
It is an anxiety disorder caused by a traumatic event. It is a response to trauma that changes the way that the brain works and reacts to danger. It involves persistent fear, agitation, horror, anxiety connected to the traumatic event in a way that is repeated (stuck in a cycle) and affecting daily functioning. The brain and body are “stuck” in a long-lasting fear response, continuing to replay the traumatic event and behaving as if the event is continually happening. The brain/body has not fully processed the traumatic event.
How does PTSD occur?
PTSD happens when a trauma is too great to cope with and the body continues to react a stress response. The illness causes the person to remain stuck in that moment of trauma. Living through something dangerous or upsetting can cause PTSD.
What are the three categories of PTSD symptoms?
Re-experiencing
Avoidance
Hyperarousal
What are the re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD?
Reliving the trauma over and over Flashbacks Bad dreams Frightening thoughts Triggers
What are the avoidance symptoms of PTSD?
Avoiding physical reminders of trauma
Staying away from people/places/things that are reminders
Emotional avoidance - numbness, guilt, depression, worry
Passion avoidance - Losing interest in activities once enjoyed before trauma
Memory avoidance - having trouble remembering event or details of event
What are the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD?
Being easily startled
Feeling tense or on edge
Having difficulty sleeping
Angry outbursts
Who can get PTSD?
Anyone, at any point in their life, can get PTSD.
What are the most common, or main, symptoms of PTSD?
Intrusive and repetitive memories of the trauma
Flashbacks, where the memory is experienced again
Distressful and/or repeated nightmares
Triggers that reactivate the trauma response
Dissociation
High and persistent levels of anxiety, fear, horror
How long does it take to get a PTSD diagnosis?
1 month of persistent symptoms
What are treatments for PTSD?
Psychotherapy EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocess) Group Therapy Somatic therapy Service dogs Medications
What are medications usually prescribed for PTSD?
Antidepressants (SSRIs - Zoloft, Paxil) Beta blockers Benzidiazepines Mood stabilizers Sleep medications Other "off-label" meds
What can PTSD look like in young children who have experienced trauma?
Regressive/”unlearning” behavior - bedwetting, forget how to talk, forget words
Act out the scary event during playtime
Complain of headaches/stomachaches a lot.
What can PTSD look like in older children and teens?
Older kids and teens usually show symptoms seen in adults. They may show disruptive, aggressive, disrespectful or destructive behaviors (it is wise to look for signs of trauma). They may feel guilt or have thoughts of revenge.
Problems setting and maintaining relationships. Inability to regulate emotions or control aggression. Low self esteem.
