1.Explain post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who
have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that
persist for an extended period after the traumatic experience. These symptoms can significantly
interfere with the individual's ability to function in daily life.
1. Symptoms:
- PTSD is characterized by four main clusters of symptoms:
- Intrusive Memories: These include recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event,
flashbacks, nightmares, or intense psychological distress when exposed to cues that resemble the
traumatic event.
- Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD may actively avoid reminders of the traumatic event, such as
places, people, activities, or thoughts associated with the trauma.
- Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This may involve persistent negative beliefs or
expectations about oneself or the world, persistent negative emotional states like fear, horror, anger,
guilt, or shame, and diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed.
- Hyperarousal: Symptoms include hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty
concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
2. Diagnostic Criteria:
- According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the
diagnostic criteria for PTSD include exposure to a traumatic event, intrusion symptoms, avoidance
symptoms, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
- These symptoms must persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or
impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
3. Causes:
- PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat, physical or
sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, terrorism, or other life-threatening situations.
- Factors that may increase the risk of developing PTSD include the severity and duration of the
trauma, personal vulnerability factors (e.g., prior trauma, genetics), lack of social support, and
coping strategies.
4. Treatment:
- Treatment for PTSD often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
