Diagnostic Criteria
What does PTSD stand for?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What type of childhood experiences can increase the risk of PTSD?
Abuse, neglect, or other adverse childhood experiences.
PTSD can be caused by what type of event?
An extremely stressful or terrifying event
What type of therapy gradually helps someone face traumatic memories?
Exposure therapy
Name one way someone can re-experience a traumatic event.
Ex: Intrusive thought, nightmare, or flashback
How can social support affect someone's risk of PTSD?
Having little or no social support or feeling isolated can increase vulnerability.
Name two examples of an event that can cause PTSD from the slideshow.
Car crash, rape/assault, surgery/medical procedures, or seeing another person hurt/killed.
What type of therapy focuses on understanding and changing negative thoughts or fears?
Cognitive therapy
What areas of life can PTSD symptoms cause impairment in?
Social, occupational, and interpersonal areas
What ongoing conditions can make someone more vulnerable to PTSD?
Ongoing stress or unstable/unsafe living conditions
Is there an official list of exactly what experiences can cause trama?
No, trauma may be personal to the individual
What type of therapy allows people to connect with others who have experienced similar things?
Group therapy
How long must symptoms be present for a PTSD diagnosis?
More than one month
Name two occupations that may involve repeated exposure to trauma.
Ex: First responders, military personnel, or healthcare workers
T/F: A person has to directly experience a traumatic event for it to potentially cause trauma.
False. You can experience "secondary trauma," like witnessing another person being hurt or killed.
What two types of medicine are commonly used to treat PTSD?
Antidepressants and anxiety medications