Diagnostic Criteria
What are the ways to be exposed to actual/threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence?
Direct experience, witnessing, listening from close friends/family, or overexposure
How much more likely are women to get PTSD than men?
20% more likely
Where do most cases of PTSD come from?
Violent events, trauma, and/or death
What treatment therapy encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements)?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
How long do your symptoms/disturbance have to last in order for it to be considered PTSD?
Over 1 month
What are some events that cause PTSD?
Life-threatening events, sexual assault, profound social disruption, abuse, war
What are some environmental causes of PTSD?
Direct exposure, socioeconomic factors, or certain social environments
What treatment therapy focuses on the relationships among thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and targets current problems?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s) happen with PTSD?
Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, and reckless or self-destructive behavior, exaggerated startle response, problems with concentration and sleep disturbance
What races show the highest rates of PTSD?
African Americans and Native Americans
What are some biological causes of PTSD?
Genetic factors, hormonal factors, or brain factors
Name one medication used to treat PTSD.
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine