PYC4802
EXAM PACK
, Question 1: The Development of PTSD in Adults in South Africa
[25 Marks]
Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by
experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria for a
PTSD diagnosis:
1. Trauma Exposure: Direct or indirect exposure to events involving actual or
threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Intrusive Symptoms: The person experiences recurrent, distressing memories,
flashbacks, or nightmares linked to the trauma.
3. Avoidance Behaviours: Deliberate attempts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or
external reminders associated with the traumatic experience.
4. Negative Cognitive and Mood Shifts: Persistent negative emotions, distorted
blame, diminished interest in activities, and feelings of detachment from others.
5. Hyperarousal: This includes symptoms such as heightened startle response,
difficulty sleeping, irritability, and concentration problems.
6. Duration and Impact: These symptoms must persist for more than a month and
significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function socially, occupationally,
or in other important areas.
Biological Underpinnings of PTSD
PTSD is linked to significant disruptions in the body’s stress regulation system, notably
the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the release of stress
hormones like cortisol. Key brain structures are also affected:
The amygdala, responsible for detecting threats, becomes overactive, leading to
heightened fear responses.
EXAM PACK
, Question 1: The Development of PTSD in Adults in South Africa
[25 Marks]
Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by
experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria for a
PTSD diagnosis:
1. Trauma Exposure: Direct or indirect exposure to events involving actual or
threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Intrusive Symptoms: The person experiences recurrent, distressing memories,
flashbacks, or nightmares linked to the trauma.
3. Avoidance Behaviours: Deliberate attempts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or
external reminders associated with the traumatic experience.
4. Negative Cognitive and Mood Shifts: Persistent negative emotions, distorted
blame, diminished interest in activities, and feelings of detachment from others.
5. Hyperarousal: This includes symptoms such as heightened startle response,
difficulty sleeping, irritability, and concentration problems.
6. Duration and Impact: These symptoms must persist for more than a month and
significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function socially, occupationally,
or in other important areas.
Biological Underpinnings of PTSD
PTSD is linked to significant disruptions in the body’s stress regulation system, notably
the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the release of stress
hormones like cortisol. Key brain structures are also affected:
The amygdala, responsible for detecting threats, becomes overactive, leading to
heightened fear responses.
