PYC4802
EXAM PACK
,UNISA PYC4802 Exam Paper
Question 1: Development of PTSD in Adults in South Africa
[25 marks]
Definition and DSM-5 Criteria for PTSD:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that occurs following
exposure to a traumatic event. According to the DSM-5, PTSD involves the following
criteria:
1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Intrusion symptoms (e.g., distressing memories, flashbacks, nightmares).
3. Avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
4. Negative alterations in cognition and mood (e.g., persistent negative
emotions, guilt, detachment).
5. Alterations in arousal and reactivity (e.g., hypervigilance, irritability, sleep
disturbances).
6. Symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in
functioning.
Biological Development of PTSD:
PTSD involves dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,
causing heightened stress responses. Changes in brain regions such as the amygdala
(increased activity), hippocampus (reduced volume), and prefrontal cortex
(decreased regulation of fear responses) contribute to the disorder. Neurotransmitter
imbalances (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) also play a role.
Psychosocial Stressors in the South African Context:
South Africans face high rates of exposure to trauma, including:
Violent crime (e.g., robbery, assault, murder)
Gender-based violence
, Historical trauma from apartheid
Poverty and inequality
Community violence and gang activity
These cumulative stressors, often compounded by inadequate mental health
resources, increase vulnerability to PTSD.
Cultural and Social Considerations:
Stigma around mental health may prevent individuals from seeking help.
Cultural beliefs may interpret trauma responses as spiritual issues.
Lack of social support in impoverished or disrupted communities may worsen
PTSD outcomes.
Question 2: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Associated Symptoms
[25 marks]
Difference Between Mood and Emotion (3 marks):
Mood is a prolonged emotional state (e.g., sadness, irritability) that shapes
perception and behavior over time.
Emotion is a short-lived response to a specific stimulus (e.g., anger, joy).
Mood is more diffuse and less reactive than emotion.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for MDD (10 marks):
At least five of the following symptoms must be present during the same 2-week
period, and at least one must be (1) or (2):
1. Depressed mood most of the day
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure
3. Significant weight loss or gain
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
, 1. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
2. Fatigue or loss of energy
3. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
4. Diminished ability to think or concentrate
5. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Cognitive and Somatic Symptoms (12 marks):
Cognitive symptoms:
o Negative thinking patterns
o Difficulty concentrating
o Poor decision-making
o Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem
Somatic symptoms:
o Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
o Appetite changes
o Physical fatigue
o Psychomotor changes (e.g., slowed movement)
In South Africa, these symptoms may be exacerbated by economic hardship,
unemployment, and limited access to mental health care.
Question 3: Sociocultural Factors and Substance Use Disorder in South Africa
[25 marks]
Definition:
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is characterized by the problematic use of alcohol or
drugs leading to significant impairment or distress.
Sociocultural Factors:
EXAM PACK
,UNISA PYC4802 Exam Paper
Question 1: Development of PTSD in Adults in South Africa
[25 marks]
Definition and DSM-5 Criteria for PTSD:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that occurs following
exposure to a traumatic event. According to the DSM-5, PTSD involves the following
criteria:
1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Intrusion symptoms (e.g., distressing memories, flashbacks, nightmares).
3. Avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
4. Negative alterations in cognition and mood (e.g., persistent negative
emotions, guilt, detachment).
5. Alterations in arousal and reactivity (e.g., hypervigilance, irritability, sleep
disturbances).
6. Symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in
functioning.
Biological Development of PTSD:
PTSD involves dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,
causing heightened stress responses. Changes in brain regions such as the amygdala
(increased activity), hippocampus (reduced volume), and prefrontal cortex
(decreased regulation of fear responses) contribute to the disorder. Neurotransmitter
imbalances (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) also play a role.
Psychosocial Stressors in the South African Context:
South Africans face high rates of exposure to trauma, including:
Violent crime (e.g., robbery, assault, murder)
Gender-based violence
, Historical trauma from apartheid
Poverty and inequality
Community violence and gang activity
These cumulative stressors, often compounded by inadequate mental health
resources, increase vulnerability to PTSD.
Cultural and Social Considerations:
Stigma around mental health may prevent individuals from seeking help.
Cultural beliefs may interpret trauma responses as spiritual issues.
Lack of social support in impoverished or disrupted communities may worsen
PTSD outcomes.
Question 2: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Associated Symptoms
[25 marks]
Difference Between Mood and Emotion (3 marks):
Mood is a prolonged emotional state (e.g., sadness, irritability) that shapes
perception and behavior over time.
Emotion is a short-lived response to a specific stimulus (e.g., anger, joy).
Mood is more diffuse and less reactive than emotion.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for MDD (10 marks):
At least five of the following symptoms must be present during the same 2-week
period, and at least one must be (1) or (2):
1. Depressed mood most of the day
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure
3. Significant weight loss or gain
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
, 1. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
2. Fatigue or loss of energy
3. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
4. Diminished ability to think or concentrate
5. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Cognitive and Somatic Symptoms (12 marks):
Cognitive symptoms:
o Negative thinking patterns
o Difficulty concentrating
o Poor decision-making
o Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem
Somatic symptoms:
o Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
o Appetite changes
o Physical fatigue
o Psychomotor changes (e.g., slowed movement)
In South Africa, these symptoms may be exacerbated by economic hardship,
unemployment, and limited access to mental health care.
Question 3: Sociocultural Factors and Substance Use Disorder in South Africa
[25 marks]
Definition:
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is characterized by the problematic use of alcohol or
drugs leading to significant impairment or distress.
Sociocultural Factors:
