The Brain
What are at least three bodily reactions when fight or flight is triggered?
Heart rate increasing, sweating, glucose released for more energy, blood flow and oxygen increases to limbs and brain, digestion slows, etc.
What percentage of adults in the US have experienced a traumatic event?
70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That’s 223.4 million people.
In order to be diagnosed with PTSD, do you need to have directly experienced a traumatic event?
No. According to the DSM, those that witness trauma, learn it happened to a family member or friend, or experience extreme exposure to the details could also potentially be diagnosed with PTSD.
Does therapy work for trauma victims or are they ruined forever?
Therapy works!
ACE stands for
What are other names for the amygdala?
Reptilian brain, lizard brain, fight or flight, the alarm system, etc.
What percentage of the population has at least one ACE?
67% of the population has at least one ACE.
Define hypervigilance.
A state of heightened alertness and sensitivity to potential danger, even when no real threat is present. Being on high-alert.
Most trauma therapies involve grounding and relaxation skills at the beginning of treatment. Why is that?
Having a solid foundation of coping skills allows clients to talk about traumatic experiences and regulate themselves when doing so.
True or false, children are usually abused by strangers?
False. It is more often that a child is abused by someone they know.
What are other names for the prefrontal cortex?
Neocortex, logical brain, the computer, executive functioning, etc.
What age group are most victims of sexual assault a part of?
69% of sexual assault victims are between the ages of 12-34.
True or False, it is common for victims of trauma to blame themselves?
True. One symptom outlined in the DSM is described as persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame themselves or others.
True or False, talking about trauma or abuse makes it worse.
Trick question! Much research supports that talking about trauma and abuse actually improves symptoms however it should be done in the appropriate setting as to reduce risk or retraumatization.
List some reasons why a child or teen wouldn't report abuse.
Minors may be scared they will be in trouble, scared no one will believe them, or scared something bad will happen if they tell. Also, some minors don’t tell because the abuser is someone they care about and they don’t want them to get in trouble or they don’t want there to be changes in the family.
What is the hippocampus in charge of?
Memory
1 out of every ____ rape victims are male?
1 out of every 10 rape victims are male
What are some risk factors that impact long-term effects of trauma?
The nature of the trauma, length of exposure, age of onset, if perpetrator was known to the victim.
What is one way to prevent sexual abuse?
Psychoeducation!
Define homeostasis
Homeostasis is the process by which a family system maintains a stable internal environment, even when things outside the system change. Maintaining the status quo or the family's definition of normal.
What is the difference between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system?
The Sympathetic Nervous system activates "fight or flight" while the Parasympathetic Nervous System does the opposite and is often referred to as "rest and digest".
1 in ____ youth receive unwanted sexual solications online?
The YISS-2 study (2005) found that 1 in 7 youth (13%) had received an unwanted sexual solicitation online.
ADHD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Prolonged Grief Disorder, etc.
What types of therapy involve bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movements?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
What percentage of sexual assault happens near or by a victim's home or a relative's home?
68.5% of sexual assault happens near or by their home or a relatives homes