PYC4802
EXAM PACK
,UNISA PYC4802 EXAM PAPER
Definition and DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after
a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or life-threatening event. According to
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), PTSD is
characterized by:
1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Persistent intrusive symptoms such as distressing memories, flashbacks, or
nightmares.
3. Avoidance of reminders associated with the traumatic experience.
4. Negative changes in cognition and mood, including persistent guilt, fear,
detachment, or distorted beliefs.
5. Heightened arousal and reactivity, such as hypervigilance, irritability, or sleep
problems.
6. Symptoms must persist for over a month and significantly impair daily
functioning.
Biological Mechanisms in PTSD
PTSD is linked to abnormal regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,
resulting in an exaggerated stress response. Neuroimaging studies reveal increased
amygdala activation (enhanced fear response), reduced hippocampal volume (impaired
memory regulation), and diminished prefrontal cortex activity (reduced emotional
control). Neurochemical imbalances involving serotonin and norepinephrine also
contribute to the persistence of PTSD symptoms.
Psychosocial Stressors in the South African Context
The prevalence of trauma exposure in South Africa is high due to factors such as:
• Widespread violent crime (e.g., assault, robbery, murder)
• Gender-based violence
• Historical and intergenerational trauma stemming from apartheid
• Economic hardship, inequality, and unemployment
• Community and gang violence
These chronic stressors, combined with insufficient access to mental health care,
heighten susceptibility to PTSD.
, Cultural and Social Influences
• Mental health stigma may prevent individuals from seeking psychological help.
• Traditional and spiritual beliefs may lead to misinterpretation of PTSD symptoms.
• Limited social support in marginalized communities can exacerbate distress and
delay recovery.
Question 2: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Its Symptoms
[25 Marks]
Distinction Between Mood and Emotion (3 Marks)
• Mood refers to a long-lasting emotional state (e.g., sadness or irritability) that
influences perception and behavior over time.
• Emotion is a short-term reaction to a specific event or situation.
• Moods are more diffuse and less tied to immediate triggers than emotions.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for MDD (10 Marks)
For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, five or more of the following symptoms
must occur during the same two-week period, with at least one being either depressed
mood or loss of interest/pleasure:
1. Persistent sadness or depressed mood most of the day
2. Reduced interest or pleasure in activities
3. Noticeable weight change or appetite disturbance
4. Insomnia or excessive sleeping
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
8. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Cognitive and Somatic Symptoms (12 Marks)
Cognitive symptoms:
• Negative thought patterns and self-criticism
• Poor concentration and indecisiveness
• Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem
Somatic symptoms:
• Disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)
, • Appetite or weight changes
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Psychomotor slowing or restlessness
In South Africa, economic challenges, unemployment, and poor access to psychological
services intensify both the cognitive and physical symptoms of depression.
Question 3: Sociocultural Influences on Substance Use Disorder in South
Africa
[25 Marks]
Definition
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition involving the harmful or
compulsive use of substances such as alcohol or drugs, resulting in impairment and
distress.
Sociocultural Determinants
1. Poverty and Unemployment:
High joblessness and poverty lead many individuals to use substances as a
coping mechanism. Alcohol abuse is particularly common in informal settlements
where recreational alternatives are limited.
2. Peer Influence and Social Norms:
Adolescents and young adults may use substances due to peer pressure, group
belonging, or gang-related activities.
3. Historical Inequality:
The legacy of apartheid left deep social and economic disparities, especially in
under-resourced communities, increasing vulnerability to substance abuse.
4. Family Environment:
Exposure to domestic violence, neglect, or parental substance abuse increases
the risk of drug or alcohol use among children.
5. Cultural Attitudes:
Alcohol use is often normalized in traditional or social gatherings, making
problematic use difficult to identify.
6. Accessibility:
Substances such as nyaope are inexpensive and easily available in
impoverished neighborhoods.
7. Urbanization and Migration:
Relocation to cities can cause social disconnection, which may promote
substance use as a form of adaptation or escape.
EXAM PACK
,UNISA PYC4802 EXAM PAPER
Definition and DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after
a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or life-threatening event. According to
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), PTSD is
characterized by:
1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
2. Persistent intrusive symptoms such as distressing memories, flashbacks, or
nightmares.
3. Avoidance of reminders associated with the traumatic experience.
4. Negative changes in cognition and mood, including persistent guilt, fear,
detachment, or distorted beliefs.
5. Heightened arousal and reactivity, such as hypervigilance, irritability, or sleep
problems.
6. Symptoms must persist for over a month and significantly impair daily
functioning.
Biological Mechanisms in PTSD
PTSD is linked to abnormal regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,
resulting in an exaggerated stress response. Neuroimaging studies reveal increased
amygdala activation (enhanced fear response), reduced hippocampal volume (impaired
memory regulation), and diminished prefrontal cortex activity (reduced emotional
control). Neurochemical imbalances involving serotonin and norepinephrine also
contribute to the persistence of PTSD symptoms.
Psychosocial Stressors in the South African Context
The prevalence of trauma exposure in South Africa is high due to factors such as:
• Widespread violent crime (e.g., assault, robbery, murder)
• Gender-based violence
• Historical and intergenerational trauma stemming from apartheid
• Economic hardship, inequality, and unemployment
• Community and gang violence
These chronic stressors, combined with insufficient access to mental health care,
heighten susceptibility to PTSD.
, Cultural and Social Influences
• Mental health stigma may prevent individuals from seeking psychological help.
• Traditional and spiritual beliefs may lead to misinterpretation of PTSD symptoms.
• Limited social support in marginalized communities can exacerbate distress and
delay recovery.
Question 2: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Its Symptoms
[25 Marks]
Distinction Between Mood and Emotion (3 Marks)
• Mood refers to a long-lasting emotional state (e.g., sadness or irritability) that
influences perception and behavior over time.
• Emotion is a short-term reaction to a specific event or situation.
• Moods are more diffuse and less tied to immediate triggers than emotions.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for MDD (10 Marks)
For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, five or more of the following symptoms
must occur during the same two-week period, with at least one being either depressed
mood or loss of interest/pleasure:
1. Persistent sadness or depressed mood most of the day
2. Reduced interest or pleasure in activities
3. Noticeable weight change or appetite disturbance
4. Insomnia or excessive sleeping
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
8. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Cognitive and Somatic Symptoms (12 Marks)
Cognitive symptoms:
• Negative thought patterns and self-criticism
• Poor concentration and indecisiveness
• Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem
Somatic symptoms:
• Disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)
, • Appetite or weight changes
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Psychomotor slowing or restlessness
In South Africa, economic challenges, unemployment, and poor access to psychological
services intensify both the cognitive and physical symptoms of depression.
Question 3: Sociocultural Influences on Substance Use Disorder in South
Africa
[25 Marks]
Definition
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition involving the harmful or
compulsive use of substances such as alcohol or drugs, resulting in impairment and
distress.
Sociocultural Determinants
1. Poverty and Unemployment:
High joblessness and poverty lead many individuals to use substances as a
coping mechanism. Alcohol abuse is particularly common in informal settlements
where recreational alternatives are limited.
2. Peer Influence and Social Norms:
Adolescents and young adults may use substances due to peer pressure, group
belonging, or gang-related activities.
3. Historical Inequality:
The legacy of apartheid left deep social and economic disparities, especially in
under-resourced communities, increasing vulnerability to substance abuse.
4. Family Environment:
Exposure to domestic violence, neglect, or parental substance abuse increases
the risk of drug or alcohol use among children.
5. Cultural Attitudes:
Alcohol use is often normalized in traditional or social gatherings, making
problematic use difficult to identify.
6. Accessibility:
Substances such as nyaope are inexpensive and easily available in
impoverished neighborhoods.
7. Urbanization and Migration:
Relocation to cities can cause social disconnection, which may promote
substance use as a form of adaptation or escape.
