PYC4802
EXAM PACK
, Question 1: Development of PTSD in Adults in South Africa
[25 Marks]
Definition and Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after
experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. The DSM-5 outlines several diagnostic
criteria for PTSD:
1. Trauma Exposure: The individual must have been exposed to actual or
threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence—either directly, by
witnessing it, or through learning of it happening to close others.
2. Intrusive Symptoms: These include recurrent, distressing memories,
flashbacks, and nightmares related to the traumatic event.
3. Avoidance Behaviors: The individual avoids places, people, or activities that
trigger memories of the trauma.
4. Negative Thoughts and Emotions: This involves ongoing feelings of guilt,
shame, detachment from others, and a persistent negative mood.
5. Arousal and Reactivity Changes: Symptoms include irritability, aggression,
difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled.
6. Duration and Impact: Symptoms persist for more than one month and
significantly interfere with daily functioning
Biological Factors in PTSD Development
PTSD affects key brain structures and hormonal systems. Dysregulation of the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to an exaggerated stress response.
Brain imaging studies show:
Amygdala: Increased activity, contributing to heightened fear and emotional
responses.
EXAM PACK
, Question 1: Development of PTSD in Adults in South Africa
[25 Marks]
Definition and Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after
experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. The DSM-5 outlines several diagnostic
criteria for PTSD:
1. Trauma Exposure: The individual must have been exposed to actual or
threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence—either directly, by
witnessing it, or through learning of it happening to close others.
2. Intrusive Symptoms: These include recurrent, distressing memories,
flashbacks, and nightmares related to the traumatic event.
3. Avoidance Behaviors: The individual avoids places, people, or activities that
trigger memories of the trauma.
4. Negative Thoughts and Emotions: This involves ongoing feelings of guilt,
shame, detachment from others, and a persistent negative mood.
5. Arousal and Reactivity Changes: Symptoms include irritability, aggression,
difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled.
6. Duration and Impact: Symptoms persist for more than one month and
significantly interfere with daily functioning
Biological Factors in PTSD Development
PTSD affects key brain structures and hormonal systems. Dysregulation of the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to an exaggerated stress response.
Brain imaging studies show:
Amygdala: Increased activity, contributing to heightened fear and emotional
responses.
