Stress Disorders: Trauma Reactions

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Questions and Answers

What is a common characteristic of Complex PTSD compared to simple PTSD?

It exclusively results from one traumatic event.

It is diagnosed primarily based on acute phase symptoms.

It is associated with repeated or continuous trauma over months or years. (correct)

Symptoms are typically less intense and shorter-lasting.

What is one of the main goals of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in PTSD treatment?

To immediately eliminate all symptoms of trauma.

To find new ways to interpret and cope with trauma. (correct)

To focus on behavioral avoidance of trauma cues.

To solely provide medication for symptom relief.

Which treatment approach relies on visualization of trauma-related cues?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Group therapy

Exposure therapy (correct)

Polyvagal therapy

What is a potential drawback of using memory-dulling treatments for PTSD?

They may impair natural coping processes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of trauma is often associated with Complex PTSD?

Recurrent trauma such as being a POW or living in a war zone. Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing do victims report their thoughts and feelings about an incident?

Reaction phase Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is specifically noted for reducing anxiety spikes, flashbacks, and nightmares in PTSD?

Prazosin Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Delayed Expression' syndrome refer to in the context of PTSD?

Symptoms that may develop over months after the trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in first-line psychotherapy treatments for PTSD?

Psychedelics Signup and view all the answers

What factor is commonly associated with the likelihood of delayed expression of PTSD symptoms?

Low social support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

ASD symptoms last between 2 days and under a month, whereas PTSD symptoms persist beyond a month. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT commonly associated with chronic hyperarousal symptoms?

Emotional detachment Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is most likely to trigger intrusive recollections for a veteran experiencing trauma?

A holiday celebration with loud fireworks. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates depersonalization from derealization in stress disorders?

Depersonalization is a sense of observing oneself from outside the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception regarding the treatment for ASD and PTSD?

Medication is the most effective treatment for both ASD and PTSD. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the symptom of emotional numbness associated with stress disorders?

Experiencing a lack of connection to one's own thoughts and actions. Signup and view all the answers

What might a person with survival guilt commonly exhibit as a behavior?

Impulsive behaviors or reckless actions as an escape. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms can be associated with both Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD?

Perception of time moving either slowly or quickly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following risk factors is NOT associated with ASD and PTSD?

Having a strong coping mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is a direct result of dissociative experiences commonly observed in stress disorders?

Feeling as if one is 'zoned out.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress Disorders: Reactions to Extreme Trauma

Intrusive Recollections: Trauma victims experience intrusive memories, daytime flashbacks, nightmares, and illusions, possibly triggered by associated cues (e.g., loud noises).
Dissociative Symptoms: "Psychic numbing," emotional detachment, and feelings of being "zoned out" are common. Avoidance behaviors, memory fog, time distortion, and derealization/depersonalization are also seen.
Chronic Hyperarousal: Trauma-related symptoms include heightened startle responses, insomnia, hypervigilance, restlessness, irritability, anger outbursts and aggression, especially in males.
Survival Guilt/Shame: Feelings of unworthiness, marginalization, and reckless/impulsive behaviors may stem from survival guilt/shame.
Depersonalization: Feeling detached from one's own body, as if observing from outside.
Derealization: Surroundings feel unreal, dreamlike, or distorted.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Basic Differences

ASD: Short-term response (2 days to under 1 month) to trauma, often following accidents or interpersonal trauma (20-50% of cases).
PTSD: Diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond a month.

Risk Factors for ASD and PTSD

Severity, Duration, and Nature of Trauma: A more severe, prolonged, or disturbing trauma increases risk.
Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, or family history of these conditions.
Family History of PTSD: Familial predisposition for the condition.
Minority Status: Increased vulnerability.
Poor Coping Mechanisms: Ineffective strategies for managing stress.
Lack of Social Support: Limited assistance network.

Treatment for ASD and PTSD

Psychotherapy: Exposure therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focus on desensitizing responses and reinterpreting trauma.
Other Therapies: EMDR and polyvagal therapy are also used, but have less definitive evidence.
Support: Stress management and group therapy can aid recovery.

Delayed Expression Syndrome

Symptoms Insufficient: Initial symptoms are subtle or mild, and increase over time to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Incubation of Stress: Symptoms may take time to express, often due to social or mental barriers preventing immediate expression.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

Repeated Trauma: CPTSD is for repeated or continuous trauma over months or years.
More Extreme Symptoms: Symptoms are often more severe and long-lasting than in "simple" PTSD.
Types of Trauma: Common causes include neglect, abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), domestic violence, war zones, human trafficking, and repeated serious illnesses/medical procedures.
Changes in Worldview: CPTSD can significantly impact views/beliefs regarding relationships, religion, philosophy, and basic trust.
Preoccupation with Trauma: Individuals may have intense preoccupation with events and potential revenge fantasies against perpetrators.
Controversial Diagnosis: CPTSD is sometimes debated; some argue it is severe PTSD.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

Process: Fact, Reaction, Symptom, Teaching, Re-entry phases.
Limited Evidence: Limited evidence supports the reduction of PTSD following CISD debriefings.

First-Line Psychotherapy and Medication Treatments for PTSD

Psychotherapy (First-Line): Exposure therapy, CBT (including "thought neutralizing"), aimed at extinguishing conditioned fear responses and re-interpreting events. EMDR, Polyvagal therapy can also help.
Group Therapy and Stress Management: Important supporting components.
Medication (Symptomatic Care): Anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, sleep medications.
Medication (Specialized): Prazosin (anti-hypertensive) to reduce anxiety spikes, flashbacks, nightmares.
Experimental Medications: Propranolol (memory intensity reduction), psychedelics (MDMA, psilocybin, etc.), with promising but unproven results.
Caution: Memory-dulling medications could potentially lead to impairment of emotional recovery,

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Description

This quiz explores the various reactions individuals experience in response to extreme trauma, including intrusive recollections, dissociative symptoms, and chronic hyperarousal. You will also learn about survival guilt, depersonalization, and derealization as responses to acute stress disorders. Test your understanding of these critical psychological concepts.