Stress Disorders Flashcards
How long does sxs for acute stress disorder last for?
Symptoms last less than one month after a traumatic event
How many sxs need to be present to diagnose acute stress disorder?
9 or more sx that begin or worsen after the traumatic event(s) from any of the 5 categories.
What are the 5 categories of acute stress disorder?
- Intrusion
- Negative mood
- Dissociation
- Avoidance
- Arousal
What are the sxs of intrusion category?
- Recurrent, involuntary and intrusive distressing memories
- Recurrent distressing dreams
- Dissociative reactions (flashbacks) feels or acts as if the traumatic event were recurring
- Intense or prolonged psychological distress in response to internal or external cues
What are the sxs of negative mood category?
Persistent inability to experience positive emotions
inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings
What are the sxs of dissociative symptom category?
- An altered sense of reality of one’s surrounding or oneself (being in a daze)
- Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event
What are sxs of avoidance symptom category?
- Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about traumatic events
- Efforts to avoid external reminders associated with traumatic event
PTSD pts have same sxs as acute stress disorder but what is the difference?
Last longer than a month
When can PTSD occur?
- Occurs after a traumatic event which the individual believes that they are in physical danger or that their life is in jeopardy
- Can also occur while witnessing a violent of life-threating event happening
When are sxs for PTSD are usually noted?
Soon after traumatic event but can take up to months or years to develop
What are pre-traumatic risk factors associated with ASD and PTSD?
- Pre-existing psychiatric disorders
- Ongoing life stress
- Lack of social support
- Young age at time of trauma
- History of traumatic events (#1 risk factor)
- History of PTSD
What are comorbidities associated with ASD and PTSD?
- Depression, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders are common
- Greater unemployment rate
- Relationship difficulties
- Health problems
- Increased rates of violence
- Generally, worse quality of life
(80% of people with PTSD have another diagnosis)
What is the course and prognosis for ASD and PTSD?
- Symptoms can fluctuate over time and may be intense during periods of stress
- In general, very young and very old have more difficulty with traumatic events
- Availability of social supports may influence the development, severity and duration of PTSD
What is the first line tx for ASD and PTSD?
SSRI or SNRI
Aside from the first line tx what are the other tx options for ASD and PTSD?
- Prolonged exposure: helps people face fears
- Cognitive Processing Therapy: trying to reprocess it
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: used to address trauma
