PTSD Flashcards
What is PTSD?
PTSD is under stress and trauma disorders in the DSM-5 and is characterised by the exposure of traumatic events or experiences. Symptoms include re-experiencing/flashbacks, anxiety,aorousal and withdrawals
What are the 2 biological explanations for PTSD?
excessive activity in the amygdala causing excessive fear emotions.
Under active PFC which cannot then inhibit the amygdala. Both work together so if PFC is not working as it should, results in amygdala not being able to mediate fear response resulting in symptoms.
What biological mechanisms are involved in the flashbacks experienced by PTSD patients?
PTSD patients are found to have lower levels of cortisol compared to control groups. Although, cortisol levels have been found to be lower before traumatic experiences. This increases the amount of noradrenaline produced which we know enhances memory consolidation. Too much noradrenaline therefore may increase the fear memories consolidated resulting in PTSD patients being able to recall the vivid trauma more. The greater the levels of noradrenaline also correlate with the intensity of PTSD symptoms.
How could PTSD be prevented?
Research has shown when giving beta- blockers (which prevents production of noradrenaline) to trauma victims shortly after incidents in emergency centres - symptoms of PTSD/anxiety and stress after 3 months are significantly reduced.
what is noradrenaline?
neurotransmitter that enhances memory consolidation.
