Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an intrusion symptom of Acute Stress Disorder?

Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories

Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (correct)

Intense psychological distress in response to cues

Dissociative reactions such as flashbacks

What types of events can lead to Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) in individuals?

Events involving a close family member or friend, regardless of violence

Violent or accidental events involving a close family member or friend (correct)

Private experiences with no external witnesses

Non-violent events experienced by the individual themselves

What characterizes dissociative symptoms in acute stress disorder?

Feeling intense happiness distinctive from previous experiences

Inability to remember key aspects of the traumatic event (correct)

Experiencing dreams unrelated to the traumatic event

Presence of vivid memories related to the trauma

Which symptom best exemplifies avoidance symptoms in ASD?

Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

What factor is essential for the diagnosis of Acute Stress Disorder?

Presence of at least nine symptoms from five categories Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the dissociative reactions experienced in ASD?

They can include feelings or actions as if the event is recurring Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator of the negative mood category in Acute Stress Disorder symptoms?

An inability to feel satisfaction or positive emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which exposure does NOT contribute to Acute Stress Disorder symptoms?

Casual viewing of violent content in films Signup and view all the answers

What is a common predictor for higher risk of developing a stress disorder?

Previous mental disorder diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

Which gender is statistically more likely to develop acute stress disorder?

Women Signup and view all the answers

What is a re-experiencing symptom associated with PTSD?

Flashbacks Signup and view all the answers

For a diagnosis of PTSD, how long must symptoms last?

At least 1 month Signup and view all the answers

What is stress primarily defined as?

The body's reaction to any change requiring an adjustment Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT needed for a diagnosis of PTSD?

At least one social symptom Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the onset of PTSD symptoms is accurate?

Symptoms can start within 3 months, or even years later. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stress typically involves a long-term response to ongoing challenges?

Chronic stress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of episodic acute stress?

Consistent positive outlook on life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic of PTSD?

Persistent increase of arousal Signup and view all the answers

Which type of event is NOT typically associated with PTSD?

Routine daily activities Signup and view all the answers

What does a stressor refer to?

An event or experience causing stress Signup and view all the answers

Which example represents acute stress?

Immediate response to a near-miss accident Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with symptoms that include irritability and anxiety frequently?

Episodic acute stress Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of chronic stress?

Ongoing poverty or an unhappy marriage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about stress is true?

Stress can arise from both positive and negative life changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) compared to PTSD?

ASD typically causes significant distress immediately after a trauma. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with Acute Stress Disorder?

Flashbacks Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum duration of symptoms required to diagnose Acute Stress Disorder?

3 days Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common problem a person with Acute Stress Disorder might face?

Experiencing hypervigilance Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Acute Stress Disorder is true?

ASD typically develops into PTSD if symptoms persist. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a criteria for diagnosing Acute Stress Disorder?

Symptoms are better explained by another medical condition. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Acute Stress Disorder first introduced as a psychological diagnosis?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 4th Edition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects of Acute Stress Disorder is still not fully understood?

Why some individuals develop ASD after trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an avoidance symptom in PTSD?

Avoiding thoughts related to traumatic events Signup and view all the answers

How might emotional numbing affect personal relationships for someone with PTSD?

It may cause withdrawal from close relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is typically constant, rather than triggered by reminders of the traumatic event?

Tense feelings or being 'on edge' Signup and view all the answers

What does exaggerated startle response indicate in someone with PTSD?

An excessive fear reaction to unexpected stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of cognition and mood in PTSD?

Feeling constantly relaxed Signup and view all the answers

What might trigger avoidance symptoms in someone with PTSD?

Reminders of the traumatic experience Signup and view all the answers

What type of symptom involves having angry outbursts in PTSD?

Arousal and reactivity symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of 'emotional amnesia' in PTSD?

General numbing of emotional responsiveness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Stress

Stress is the body's reaction to changes requiring adjustment, manifesting physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Stress can arise from various sources including environment, body, and thoughts, impacting even positive life changes.
Stressors are events or experiences perceived as threats or challenges, leading to stress responses.

Types of Stress

Acute Stress: Immediate response to new challenges triggering the fight-or-flight response, e.g., accidents or arguments.
Episodic Acute Stress: Frequent episodes of acute stress, often linked to short-temperedness and anxiety; typically affects pessimistic individuals.
Chronic Stress: Long-term stress resulting from ongoing adverse situations, leading to a sense of hopelessness about change; can stem from early trauma.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Diagnostic criteria require exposure to traumatic events such as threat of death or serious injury through direct experience, witnessing, or significant exposure to details.
Symptoms must include nine or more from five categories: intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal occurring after trauma.
Symptoms are persistent for 3 days to 1 month post-exposure and cause significant distress or impairment.

Symptoms of ASD

Intrusion Symptoms: Recurrent memories, distressing dreams, dissociative reactions (flashbacks), and severe emotional/physiological responses.
Negative Mood Symptoms: Inability to experience positive emotions.
Dissociative Symptoms: Altered perception of reality, memory loss related to the trauma.
Avoidance Symptoms: Avoidance of distressing memories or reminders related to the trauma.
Arousal Symptoms: Sleep disturbances, irritability, hypervigilance, concentration issues, and exaggerated startle response.

Comparison to PTSD

ASD typically appears within 3 days to 1 month after trauma, distinguishes itself from PTSD which can arise later and lasts longer.
Women are more likely to develop ASD than men; previous mental health issues and severe traumatic perceptions increase risk.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD involves re-experiencing trauma, avoidance of stimuli, emotional numbing, and heightened arousal, appearing 3 months to a year after the event.
Symptoms manifest through re-experiencing, avoidance behaviors, and cognitive/mood disturbances lasting over a month and interfere with functioning.

Symptoms of PTSD

Re-experiencing Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts linked to trauma.
Avoidance Symptoms: Steering clear of reminders and emotional detachment, also described as "emotional amnesia."
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms: Heightened startle response, tension, sleep difficulties, and anger outbursts.
Cognition and Mood Symptoms: Memory issues regarding the traumatic event, negative self-perception, guilt, and loss of interest in activities.

Key Takeaways

ASD and PTSD are linked but distinct; ASD is a temporary reaction following trauma whereas PTSD is more chronic.
Understanding the types of stress and their symptoms is crucial for early identification and intervention in trauma- and stressor-related disorders.

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Description

This quiz covers the concepts of trauma and stressor-related disorders, exploring what stress is and how it affects the body. Participants will gain insights into the physical, mental, and emotional responses triggered by stress. Join us to deepen your understanding of stress and its implications.