Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders

• Trauma and stress-related disorders are mental health conditions triggered by traumatic or stressful events.
• Combat, sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and childhood abuse can be types of events that trigger these disorders.
• Symptoms can include anxiety, fear, dissociation, avoidance, and hypervigilance
• Disorders discussed: PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Dissociative Disorders
• Treatment options: psychotherapy (CBT, EMDR), medication (SSRIs, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines), and grounding techniques

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Diagnosis requires symptoms in four categories for over a month: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative cognition/mood, and hyperarousal
• Risk factors include pre-existing mental health conditions, severity of trauma, and lack of social support post-trauma
• Primarily treated with SSRIs, with additional options like prazosin for nightmares
• Other options include mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics for agitation, and short-term benzodiazepines for panic attacks

Acute Stress Disorder

• Similar to PTSD but occurs within 3 days to 1 month post-trauma
• Main symptoms include dissociative symptoms, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hyperarousal
• Treatment includes short-term crisis intervention and CBT, possibly with short-term medication

Adjustment Disorder

• Emotional/behavioral response to a stressful life event (not necessarily life-threatening) within 3 months
• Common stressors include divorce, job loss, and financial problems
• Symptoms include depression, anxiety, anger, and conduct problems in children
• Treatment options include CBT, supportive therapy, counseling, SSRIs, and anti-anxiety medications.

Dissociative Disorders

• Disruptions in memory, identity, and perception of reality often linked to severe childhood trauma
• Disorders include Dissociative Amnesia, Fugue, and Identity Disorder
• Treatments include trauma-focused therapy and techniques to improve memory recall and integrate multiple identities

Depersonalization vs. Derealization

-Depersonalization: feeling detached from oneself (outer body experience). -Derealization: feeling surroundings are unreal -Treatment: CBT and grounding techniques, with medications for associated anxiety or panic.

• The lecture emphasized understanding the nature and impact of trauma and stress-related disorders, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Key takeaway is the need for personalized treatment plans that consider both psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions.