Module One Flashcards
- What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to the DSM-5?
PTSD is a trauma- and stressor-related disorder triggered by exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, leading to specific clusters of symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, negative mood/cognitions, altered arousal).
- Which age group do the standard DSM-5 PTSD criteria primarily apply to?
They apply to adults, adolescents, and children older than 6 years, with a modified version for children 6 years and younger.
- What does Criterion A (Exposure) in PTSD involve?
It involves experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, learning of a traumatic event happening to a close family member/friend (if violent or accidental), or repeated/extreme exposure to aversive details (e.g., first responders).
- Name two possible ways someone can meet Criterion A for PTSD.
(1) Directly experiencing a traumatic event, such as combat or assault; (2) Witnessing a traumatic event in person as it occurs to someone else. (3)Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a parent or caregiving figure.
- Why is exposure through media generally excluded under Criterion A?
Because viewing events through media (TV, internet, etc.) does not typically meet Criterion A unless it is part of a person’s work-related duties (e.g., police repeatedly viewing crime footage).
- What is a key feature of Criterion B (Intrusion Symptoms)?
One or more symptoms of re-experiencing the traumatic event, such as recurrent intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
- Give an example of how children might show intrusion symptoms differently.
Children may reenact aspects of the trauma through repetitive play or have frightening dreams without recognizable trauma-related content.
- What does Criterion C (Avoidance) require?
Persistent avoidance of internal reminders (thoughts, feelings) or external reminders (people, places, objects) associated with the traumatic event.
- Why is avoidance considered a core feature of PTSD?
Because individuals often cope by trying to block out memories, situations, or cues that evoke distressing recollections of the trauma.
- What are negative alterations in cognition and mood (Criterion D)?
They include persistent negative beliefs, distorted blame of self or others, inability to recall important aspects of the trauma, negative emotional states, diminished interest in activities, detachment, or inability to feel positive emotions.
- Name two specific negative cognitions someone with PTSD might have.
They might believe “No one can be trusted” or “I am permanently ruined,” reflecting persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs about self or the world.
- What does Criterion E (Alterations in arousal and reactivity) involve?
Two or more of: irritability/anger outbursts, reckless behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, concentration problems, or sleep disturbances.
- How long must symptoms persist to meet Criterion F for PTSD?
More than one month.
- What does Criterion G (Distress or impairment) emphasize?
It requires that the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning (social, occupational, etc.).
- What does Criterion H exclude?
It excludes PTSD if the symptoms are due to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition.
- What is the ‘dissociative subtype’ of PTSD in the DSM-5?
It is when an individual meets PTSD criteria but also has persistent or recurrent depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself) or derealization (experiencing surroundings as unreal).
- When do we specify ‘with delayed expression’ for PTSD?
When the full diagnostic criteria are not met until at least six months after the traumatic event, though some symptoms may appear earlier.
- How do PTSD criteria differ for children 6 years and younger?
In children 6 years and younger, the avoidance and negative alterations in cognition/mood criteria are merged into one combined cluster. In older age groups, these are two separate clusters. This reflects how symptoms in young children often manifest in a more global or undifferentiated way.
- What might ‘intrusion’ look like in very young children?
They may have repetitive play that enacts parts of the trauma or have unclear nightmares that still relate to the traumatic experience.
- Give an example of how children can show avoidance differently from adults.
A child might avoid certain play activities or social interactions that remind them of the trauma, or become socially withdrawn rather than explicitly reporting fear.
- Name two arousal symptoms in children with PTSD.
(1) Irritable or angry outbursts, sometimes manifesting as severe tantrums, and (2) exaggerated startle response or problems with concentration.
- Why is functional impairment important in children’s PTSD diagnosis?
Because it must cause significant distress or impairment in their relationships (family, peers) or school behavior to meet full diagnostic criteria.
- According to NIH (2023), what is a key characteristic of PTSD?
It is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to problems like severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
- According to NIH, who is most likely to develop PTSD?
Anyone can develop PTSD, but those who experience combat, physical or sexual assault, disasters, or accidents are at higher risk; women have a higher statistical risk than men.
