PTSD Triggers and Symptoms Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following exposures qualifies as potential triggers for Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders?

Discussing a traumatic event with friends

Watching a movie about death

Learning about a traumatic event via social media

Directly experiencing the traumatic event (correct)

What type of exposure is NOT considered when determining triggers for Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders?

Hearing about a traumatic event from a podcast (correct)

Witnessing a serious injury in person

Experiencing repeated details of a traumatic event

Learning of a friend's violent death

Which scenario does NOT meet the criteria for potential PTSD triggers?

Witnessing a natural disaster and its aftermath

Being in the same room during a violent altercation

Learning a family member was involved in a car accident that was not violent (correct)

Reading a news article about a hostage situation

What defines 'repeated or extreme exposure' to traumatic details?

Being a first responder and encountering trauma frequently Signup and view all the answers

Identifying which of these experiences can lead to PTSD is essential. Which one would likely trigger PTSD?

Witnessing a violent robbery Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT associated with the 10-year-old girl's diagnosis following the earthquake?

Severe memory recall of the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

A child experiences inappropriate sexual experiences that do not involve violence. This scenario is relevant because:

It can still lead to psychosocial issues Signup and view all the answers

What circumstance did Victor report that has changed his behavior since his service?

Feeling of isolation and irritability Signup and view all the answers

Learning about a traumatic event involving a family member must qualify under which condition to be relevant for PTSD?

The event must have been violent or accidental Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates that the 10-year-old girl is experiencing a heightened state of alertness?

Hypervigilance Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the approach toward learning about traumatic events?

There are various ways to be affected by trauma exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom Victor showed related to his PTSD?

Sleep with heightened awareness Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the 10-year-old girl's pre-morbid temperament contrasts with her current state after the earthquake?

Her preference for solitude Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant emotional response Victor avoids discussing?

Details of traumatic events Signup and view all the answers

What behavior shows the girl’s attempt to cope with her trauma-related fears?

Avoiding food and fluids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates that the girl is suffering from acute stress disorder rather than PTSD?

Symptoms occurring shortly after the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of combat veterans typically develop PTSD?

18% Signup and view all the answers

Which group is reported to have a higher percentage of lifelong PTSD among veterans?

P.O.W.s Signup and view all the answers

What type of trauma is considered a risk factor for developing trauma-related disorders?

Physical trauma from surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is associated with a greater risk for developing PTSD?

Family history of PTSD Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Complex PTSD (CPTSD) compared to simple PTSD?

Results from repeated or continuous trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome for those who entered military service with prior PTSD signs but did not experience direct combat?

Psychologically beneficial with symptom reduction Signup and view all the answers

How does racial or ethnic minority status relate to PTSD risk?

Increased likelihood and longer duration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following might lead to intergenerational trauma effects, according to animal studies?

Trauma experienced by ancestors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common kind of trauma associated with Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?

Being a victim of human trafficking Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable difference between CPTSD and typical PTSD symptoms?

CPTSD may involve changes in relationships and basic trust Signup and view all the answers

Which therapy is considered the 1st-line psychotherapeutic treatment for PTSD?

Exposure Therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following therapies focuses on bodily awareness and anxiety reduction?

Polyvagal Therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a controversial aspect of the CPTSD diagnosis?

It is not included in mainstream diagnostic tools Signup and view all the answers

Finding meaning in tragedy can help in recovering from trauma, exemplified by which organization?

Mothers Against Driving Drunk (MADD) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing involves soliciting symptomatology?

Symptom phase Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic approach emphasizes finding new ways to interpret and live with trauma?

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the teaching phase in trauma care?

Educating the victim about reactions to trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is primarily recommended for chronic depression associated with trauma?

SSRIs Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of using cannabinoids in treating anxiety?

They may worsen PTSD signs and symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of prazosin in trauma care?

To reduce anxiety spikes and nightmares Signup and view all the answers

What is one concern associated with post-stressor treatments like propranolol?

They can dull memory consolidation Signup and view all the answers

In mental health law, when can patient information be disclosed without consent?

If there's a serious threat of physical violence by the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is used primarily to manage insomnia?

Sleep medications like Lunesta Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted issue regarding the use of psychedelic substances in therapy?

Data on effectiveness and safety are inadequate Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is involuntary commitment legally permitted?

The patient poses an imminent danger to self or others due to a mental disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a 5150 hold?

To evaluate and treat a patient for up to 72 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Which holds allow for continued treatment beyond the initial 72 hours for those deemed dangerous or gravely disabled?

5150 Hold and 5250 Hold. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a patient at the end of a 5150 hold if no further hold is requested?

They are discharged automatically after 72 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a psychologist be required to release patient records?

In response to a court order or requirements under the Patriot Act. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about a 5250 hold?

It allows for treatment of patients who refuse assistance for up to 14 days. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential condition for a patient to be placed under a 5250 hold?

The patient must be found gravely disabled due to mental disorder or alcoholism. Signup and view all the answers

Which professionals are authorized to initiate a 5150 hold?

Law enforcement, registered nurses, or medical doctors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Psychopathology

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Disorders can result from exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
This exposure can occur directly experiencing the event, witnessing it, learning of it happening to a family member/friend, or experiencing repeated/extreme exposure to aversive details.
Examples of aversive details include first responders collecting human remains.

Reactions to Extreme Trauma

Intrusive recollections (flashbacks, nightmares, illusions) and acute distress (upon trauma cues).
Dissociative symptoms (psychic numbing, emotional detachment, daze, dropping out of activities, avoidance of trauma-related topics, forgetting aspects of trauma).
Dissociative amnesia (common in combat vets). Time distortion (slow motion).
Feelings of detachment from one's body (depersonalization).
Feeling detached from the surroundings (derealization).
Chronic hyperarousal (exaggerated startle, sleep problems, vigilance, motor restlessness).
Irritability, outbursts, aggression (esp. males).
Survival guilt/shame (believing one doesn't deserve to live, feeling marginalized).
Reckless, impulsive behaviors.

Acute stress disorder: Disability from 2 days to 1 month. Occurs in 20% of cases (not involving interpersonal assault), and in 20-50% of cases following interpersonal assault (e.g., accidents.) High anxiety, interference with sleep, energy, concentration, withdrawal, work absenteeism, reduced self-care, and inability to parent.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Disability for over 1 month, with PTSD episodes or series of episodes. Prevalences rely on past trauma and pre-existing risk factors.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD): From prolonged trauma. Approximately 10% of people with PTSD show delayed expression of symptoms.
Note: Complex PTSD is a research topic, not in DSM-5-TR.

Case Studies

Acute Stress Disorder: A 10-year-old girl, following a major earthquake, experienced symptoms like weakness, decreased food intake, speech problems, and incontinence. She displayed significant fear triggered by reminders of the earthquake. Her pre-morbid personality was playful, interactive, obedient, extroverted, and studious.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A 27-year-old veteran reported significant sleep difficulties, nightmares, and avoidance of experiences from his time in Iraq. He displayed irritability, difficulty sleeping, and avoidance of certain situations and people.

Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: U.S. Airways Flight 1549 (e.g., "Miracle on the Hudson")

Captain "Sully" Sullenberger was forced to ditch his disabled plane on the Hudson River, saving 155 lives.
Accounts from passengers and crew describe intense fear and near-drowning experiences.

9/11/2001

A major traumatic event.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Prevalence

General US population: 2-3% prevalence, lifetime prevalence ~7%, and ~4% worldwide.
Adolescents: 5-8% lifetime prevalence.
90% of acute stress disorder sufferers develop PTSD.
Symptom differences: PTSD in females involves higher chances of numbing/anxiety avoidance and prolonged symptoms; PTSD in males is linked to irritability and increased alcohol use.
Children can show regression, aggression, social isolation, and distressing dreams.

Sexual violence (attempted or completed rape, sexual assault): >300,000 cases per year in USA. Females 16-19 and college females (18–24) are disproportionately vulnerable.
Military combat: PTSD is common in veterans (18% of combat veterans and 70% of POWs).
Physical/emotional abuse: Includes childhood sexual/physical abuse, domestic violence, and workplace abuse.
Human calamities: Deliberate acts (bombings, torture), accidents (motor vehicle, plane crashes), physical trauma (surgery, disease), climate-related events (floods, earthquakes).

Severity and duration of trauma.
Family history of depression/anxiety or PTSD.
Racial/ethnic minority status (discrimination), coping mechanisms (smoking/drinking), and lack of social support can increase risk.
Intergenerational trauma can negatively affect coping mechanisms for trauma.
Limited social support.
Poor coping habits/preexisting substance abuse.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

A special case of PTSD caused by repeated or continuous trauma (months or years). Symptoms are usually more severe and lasting than traditional PTSD.
Trauma types: emotional/physical/sexual abuse, growing up in a violent home, being a POW/warzone resident, human trafficking, and repeated medical procedures/surgeries.
Associated features include altered worldview, loss of faith, and difficulty trusting, plus typical PTSD symptoms.
The primary debate is determining if CPTSD is just a severe form of PTSD.

Psychotherapy for PTSD

First-line treatment is exposure therapy and relaxation techniques to neutralize trauma-related cues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT/CPT) help change thoughts/reactions to trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a controversial technique.
Polyvagal therapy focuses on anxiety reduction by improving bodily awareness.
Group/self-help (rap) therapy focuses on support and catharsis.
Stress management training assists in managing day-to-day stressors.

Group Management for Acute Stress: Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

Method of helping victims deal with stress after a critical event (e.g. disaster).
Stages include fact, reaction, symptom, teaching, and reentry phases.
Note: Debriefing's effectiveness is questionable.

Medication Treatment of ASD and PTSD

Symptomatic care: Anxiolytics (short-term anxiety), antidepressants (severe depression), antipsychotics (for severe reactions), and sleep medications.
Experimental: Post-stressor Propranolol (reduces memory consolidation after stress), psychedelic administration (MDMA, Psilocybin, LSD, Ketamine, DMT).

Mental Health Law and Regulations

California laws related to mental health are listed in publications from the California Hospital Association.
Confidentiality of patient information requires patient consent unless there are exceptions.
Involuntary commitment ("5150 hold") can be imposed when a patient poses imminent danger to themselves/others or is seriously disabled, due to a chronic illness, or to the failure to enter a facility voluntarily.

Involuntary Commitment

"5150 hold" describes the 72-hour emergency evaluation period which can be implemented when an imminent danger exists to the patient or to others.
The 14-day "5250 hold" is used initially after the 72-hour hold to permit in-depth treatment; it can be extended by court order for an additional period not exceeding 180 days.

A Crisis of Placement

People with mental illnesses face a significant risk of being jailed rather than receiving proper medical assistance.
Many individuals with ailments don't get proper care within the system, and their issues often worsen.

Involuntary Long-Term Custodial Care ("Conservatorship")

Patients may be placed under a conservator for a mental health condition (30-day temporary or unspecified long-term) when seriously disabled.
The court appoints a licensed conservator to manage the care, treatment, and living arrangements of the affected individual.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)

A court-ordered treatment regime for people with mental disorders.
A transitional period for those discharged from inpatient care but still need assistance/support.
Requires public/personal legal representation.

Mental Health Law Touches UCSB

The report details the planning and execution of the Elliot Rodger killings in 2014.

CA Law AB 1014 – Temporary Gun Seizure

The law allows a court to temporarily seize firearms from individuals who are judged to be a danger to themselves or others.
The seizure occurs without prior notice to the involved party.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the potential triggers and symptoms associated with Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. This quiz will cover various scenarios and definitions that are essential to understanding PTSD, particularly in children. Prepare to identify experiences that are relevant to PTSD diagnosis.