Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Questions and
Answers
PTSD definition Correct Answer-An anxiety disorder that forms a response to
experiencing a traumatic stressor that threatens life or well-being, overwhelms
coping abilities, challenges assumptions that people make about the world
PTSD in the military Correct Answer-Common, but tragedy is not limited to
war, development of PTSD is not limited to soldiers
Possible causes of PTSD Correct Answer-Family and relationship abuse,
assault, motor vehicle accident, natural disaster, human caused disasters,
exposure to pathogens (e.g. HIV)
Most common incidences of PTSD Correct Answer-Incidence varies with
event, following rape = 80%, following witnessing a tragic death = 30%
Long term experience of PTSD Correct Answer-Symptoms subside in many
people over time or may wax and wane - important to examine long term
experience
Diagnostic criteria for PTSD Correct Answer-Witnessed or confronted by
threat of death, injury or threat to physical integrity of self or others AND
immediate response must involve intense fear, helplessness or horror
PTSD symptoms Correct Answer-Intrusive memories/ re-experiencing
symptoms, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, arousal
, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Questions and
Answers
Intrusive memories Correct Answer-Trauma is re-experienced through
intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares, flashbacks feel real - like event is
recurring, images described as being film of event, may feel as if they are in the
film to begin with then become observer as they recover, may have trigger (e.g.
siren/ event anniversary)
Avoidance Correct Answer-Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, people, places
and activities relevant to the event, difficulty remembering important aspects of
event
Arousal Correct Answer-Persistent feelings of over-arousal: irritability, easily
startled, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, emotional numbness and
detachment from others, restricted range of emotions
Other associated symptoms in PTSD Correct Answer-Feelings of guilt, shame,
sadness, betrayal, humiliation and anger
Timeline of PTSD Correct Answer-Signs and symptoms can either be acute
(lasting lasting < 3months) or chronic (lasting several years), onset of symptoms
may be delayed for 6months or more, symptoms can recur as a result of further
trauma/ trauma anniversaries/ interpersonal loss
Predictors of PTSD Correct Answer-Characteristic of event, characteristics of
person
Answers
PTSD definition Correct Answer-An anxiety disorder that forms a response to
experiencing a traumatic stressor that threatens life or well-being, overwhelms
coping abilities, challenges assumptions that people make about the world
PTSD in the military Correct Answer-Common, but tragedy is not limited to
war, development of PTSD is not limited to soldiers
Possible causes of PTSD Correct Answer-Family and relationship abuse,
assault, motor vehicle accident, natural disaster, human caused disasters,
exposure to pathogens (e.g. HIV)
Most common incidences of PTSD Correct Answer-Incidence varies with
event, following rape = 80%, following witnessing a tragic death = 30%
Long term experience of PTSD Correct Answer-Symptoms subside in many
people over time or may wax and wane - important to examine long term
experience
Diagnostic criteria for PTSD Correct Answer-Witnessed or confronted by
threat of death, injury or threat to physical integrity of self or others AND
immediate response must involve intense fear, helplessness or horror
PTSD symptoms Correct Answer-Intrusive memories/ re-experiencing
symptoms, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, arousal
, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Questions and
Answers
Intrusive memories Correct Answer-Trauma is re-experienced through
intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares, flashbacks feel real - like event is
recurring, images described as being film of event, may feel as if they are in the
film to begin with then become observer as they recover, may have trigger (e.g.
siren/ event anniversary)
Avoidance Correct Answer-Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, people, places
and activities relevant to the event, difficulty remembering important aspects of
event
Arousal Correct Answer-Persistent feelings of over-arousal: irritability, easily
startled, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, emotional numbness and
detachment from others, restricted range of emotions
Other associated symptoms in PTSD Correct Answer-Feelings of guilt, shame,
sadness, betrayal, humiliation and anger
Timeline of PTSD Correct Answer-Signs and symptoms can either be acute
(lasting lasting < 3months) or chronic (lasting several years), onset of symptoms
may be delayed for 6months or more, symptoms can recur as a result of further
trauma/ trauma anniversaries/ interpersonal loss
Predictors of PTSD Correct Answer-Characteristic of event, characteristics of
person
