Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Table of Contents

Abstract1

Introduction2

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)2

Diagnostic Challenges (Differential Diagnoses)3

Most Common Tools for Assessing the Disorder or Condition5

Treatments for PTSD6

Individual Psychotherapy6

Behavioral or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)6

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)7

Group Therapy7

Medication7

Anxiolytic (Anti-anxiety) Medication8

Antidepressants8

Adrenergic Agents8

Developments9

Conclusion10

References12

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as defined by CDC is an intense emotional and physical response to reminders or thoughts of an event that last for even months after the happening of traumatic event. National Centre for PTSD describes four main symptoms, reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind the event, feeling numb, and feeling keyed up. There are no such laboratory tests that can diagnose this disorder. However, diagnosis can be based on certain symptoms which are either examined, observed or asked from the subject. The health care provider notices the frequencies and time period of symptoms occurrence and judge them. There are several options for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PSTD is fairly common in war zones and with soldiers taking part in battles. The treatment can range from therapy (individual/ group), medications, or a combination of these. The goal of treatment is of course to get a person back on normal life routine. Recently studies have been conducted and found that cognitive-behavioral treatments for PTSD are the best treatment. The internet technology has enabled the health care professionals to reach people even in remote areas and it also includes Tele-health treatments for PTSD and virtual reality treatment for PTSD. The children are also affected by PTSD as a result of sexual assaults or violent behavior with children. The need is to create awareness regarding how to save children from such traumatic events and if happened, then how to report. PTSD is a disorder which needs attention in the base before it becomes sever and leads to multiple other related consequences.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Introduction

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after distressing ordeal that involved a threat of physical harm or physical harm. PTSD can be detrimental to not only mental health but also the physical wellbeing to any person. The disorder is often followed by disturbances in personal and professional lives which again cause more stress leading to further disorders. The hormonal levels are disturbed which can lead to even weak immunity again making the person more vulnerable to further diseases. This paper highlights the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its Name and description, Diagnostic challenges (differential diagnoses), description of the most common tools for assessing the disorder, the most effective treatments for it and recent developments or breakthroughs in the understanding, assessment, and treatment of the disorder. This paper presents each of the subject matters named in the light of studies and researches from various well reputed sources.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as defined by CDC is an intense emotional and physical response to reminders or thoughts of an event that last for even months after the happening of traumatic event (CDC 2003). National Institute of Mental health (2008) classifies PTSD as a condition that develops after ...