PYC4802
October/November Exams 2022
, Question 01
“South Africa is regarded as having “a culture of violence”. Taking this into account, critically discuss the
diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its characteristics. In addition, discuss factors that
would influence the assessment of PTSD in light of wider contextual considerations. (25 marks)
The diagnosis of PTSD
Developmental stage
This is followed by an acute stressor like a life-threatening incident; hence PTSD develops. Acute stress
disorder can also develop after three days and should not continue more than a month and is identified as a
set of symptoms that happen within six months of an event. And remains for six months. If it does continue
for more than a month, a PTSD diagnosis should be considered.
Co-morbidity
Psychological problems are common with patients dealing with PTSD. In youngster people/children, PTSD is
related to a substantial frequency of psychiatric co-morbidity. Co-morbidities consist of alcohol and drug
abuse, personality disorder, general anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and
other mental illnesses. At times clinicians could find it very challenging to differentiate between PTSD
symptoms to those of comorbid mental illnesses.
Delayed onset
The delayed onset of PTSD is a subtype of PTSD in which the complete diagnosis of the disorder is only made
after at least 6 months have gone by since the traumatic experience. This is because the patient could reveal
symptoms of PTSD, but not all of which would determine full PTSD diagnosis. Some symptoms can appear
and be expressed immediately.
Socio-economic status
The requirements of the environment could differ by population, which could make people more susceptible
to or protected from certain circumstances than others. People who reside from poorer socioeconomic and
educational backgrounds are more likely to live in stressful situations, like a dangerous neighbourhood, and
to suffer from an ongoing nagging anxiety.
October/November Exams 2022
, Question 01
“South Africa is regarded as having “a culture of violence”. Taking this into account, critically discuss the
diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its characteristics. In addition, discuss factors that
would influence the assessment of PTSD in light of wider contextual considerations. (25 marks)
The diagnosis of PTSD
Developmental stage
This is followed by an acute stressor like a life-threatening incident; hence PTSD develops. Acute stress
disorder can also develop after three days and should not continue more than a month and is identified as a
set of symptoms that happen within six months of an event. And remains for six months. If it does continue
for more than a month, a PTSD diagnosis should be considered.
Co-morbidity
Psychological problems are common with patients dealing with PTSD. In youngster people/children, PTSD is
related to a substantial frequency of psychiatric co-morbidity. Co-morbidities consist of alcohol and drug
abuse, personality disorder, general anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and
other mental illnesses. At times clinicians could find it very challenging to differentiate between PTSD
symptoms to those of comorbid mental illnesses.
Delayed onset
The delayed onset of PTSD is a subtype of PTSD in which the complete diagnosis of the disorder is only made
after at least 6 months have gone by since the traumatic experience. This is because the patient could reveal
symptoms of PTSD, but not all of which would determine full PTSD diagnosis. Some symptoms can appear
and be expressed immediately.
Socio-economic status
The requirements of the environment could differ by population, which could make people more susceptible
to or protected from certain circumstances than others. People who reside from poorer socioeconomic and
educational backgrounds are more likely to live in stressful situations, like a dangerous neighbourhood, and
to suffer from an ongoing nagging anxiety.
