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post_traumatic_stress_disorder_ptsd [2023/01/24 18:20] – andrewtaustinpost_traumatic_stress_disorder_ptsd [2023/05/04 14:59] (current) – andrewtaustin
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 +{{tag>Related PTSD}} 
 ======Post Traumatic Stress Disorder====== ======Post Traumatic Stress Disorder======
  
-Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. From a medical and psychiatric perspective, PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life and overall well-being.+Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)[(PTSD>Post-traumatic stress disorder[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-traumatic_stress_disorder#cite_note-31|Wikipedia]])] 
 + is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. From a medical and psychiatric perspective, PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life and overall well-being. IEMT developer, Andrew T. Austin is ever eager to point out that self-diagnosed, or lay-therapist-diagnosed PTSD is mostly (but not always) more of an indulgence of emotional and social needs than it is a reflection of patient symptomology.
  
 Symptoms of PTSD can be divided into four main categories:  Symptoms of PTSD can be divided into four main categories: 
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 From a psychiatric perspective, PTSD is considered to be an anxiety disorder. It is thought that the traumatic event disrupts the normal processes of fear extinction and memory consolidation, leading to the persistence of fear and traumatic memories. Research suggests that changes in the structure and function of certain brain regions, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, may contribute to the development of PTSD. From a psychiatric perspective, PTSD is considered to be an anxiety disorder. It is thought that the traumatic event disrupts the normal processes of fear extinction and memory consolidation, leading to the persistence of fear and traumatic memories. Research suggests that changes in the structure and function of certain brain regions, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, may contribute to the development of PTSD.
 +
 +=====Diagnostic Criteria=====
 +
 +[[the_diagnostic_statistical_manual_and_the_icd|The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]], 5th edition (DSM-5) outlines the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as follows:
 +
 +A. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the following ways:
 +
 +  * Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)
 +  * Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others
 +  * Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of a family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
 +  * Repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse). 
 +
 +Note: Criterion A4 does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work-related.
 +
 +B. Presence of one (or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the event(s) occurred:
 +
 +  * Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
 +  * Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
 +  * Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings.
 +  * Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
 +  * Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
 +  * Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
 +  * Inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings).
 +
 +C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
 +
 +  * Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
 +  * Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
 +
 +D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:
 +
 +  * Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociation).
 +  * Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad," "No one can be trusted," "The world is completely dangerous," "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined").
 +  * Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others.
 +  * Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
 +  * Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
 +  * Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
 +  * Inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, etc)
  
  
 =====Shell Shock===== =====Shell Shock=====
  
-"Shell shock" is a term that was first used during World War I to describe the psychological symptoms experienced by soldiers as a result of exposure to combat. The term referred to the idea that the symptoms were caused by the physical effects of explosions, or "shells," on the brain.+"Shell shock"[(Shellshock>Shell shock[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_shock|Wikipedia]])] is a term that was first used during World War I to describe the psychological symptoms experienced by soldiers as a result of exposure to combat. The term referred to the idea that the symptoms were caused by the physical effects of explosions, or "shells," on the brain. 
 + 
 +<WRAP RIGHT> 
 +{{youtube>IWHbF5jGJY0?}} 
 +</WRAP>
  
 The symptoms of shell shock were varied and included things like anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, and physical symptoms such as tremors or fatigue. Soldiers experiencing shell shock were often withdrawn, confused and unable to perform basic functions. They were also often seen as "cowards" by their comrades and military authorities. The symptoms of shell shock were varied and included things like anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, and physical symptoms such as tremors or fatigue. Soldiers experiencing shell shock were often withdrawn, confused and unable to perform basic functions. They were also often seen as "cowards" by their comrades and military authorities.
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 =====Vietnam War Veterans===== =====Vietnam War Veterans=====
  
-During the Vietnam War, it is estimated that approximately 2.7 million American soldiers served in the conflict. After the war, a significant number of Vietnam War veterans experienced difficulty adjusting to civilian life and experienced a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, many Vietnam War veterans ended up in prison.+During the Vietnam War, it is estimated that approximately 2.7 million American soldiers served in the conflict. After the war, a significant number of Vietnam War veterans[(Vietnam_veteran>Vietnam veteran[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_veteran|Wikipedia]])] experienced difficulty adjusting to civilian life and experienced a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, many Vietnam War veterans ended up in prison.
  
 It is difficult to determine the exact number of Vietnam War veterans who were incarcerated after the war. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reported that as of 2016, around 30% of Vietnam War veterans were incarcerated, but this number may not be entirely accurate as it is difficult to track veterans who may not have sought help from the VA. It is difficult to determine the exact number of Vietnam War veterans who were incarcerated after the war. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reported that as of 2016, around 30% of Vietnam War veterans were incarcerated, but this number may not be entirely accurate as it is difficult to track veterans who may not have sought help from the VA.
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 It is worth noting that, since the Vietnam War, the US government, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and veteran organizations have increased their efforts to help veterans with their reintegration into society and to provide support for those suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues. These efforts include providing veterans with counseling, therapy, and other forms of mental health support, as well as job training and education programs. It is worth noting that, since the Vietnam War, the US government, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and veteran organizations have increased their efforts to help veterans with their reintegration into society and to provide support for those suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues. These efforts include providing veterans with counseling, therapy, and other forms of mental health support, as well as job training and education programs.
 +
 +=====Homelessness Among British Gulf War Veterans=====
 +
 +The rate of homelessness among British veterans from the Gulf Wars (1990-1991 and 2003-2011) is a complex issue and there is no clear consensus on the exact numbers.[(homeless>How many veterans are homeless in the UK?[[https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/how-many-veterans-are-homeless-in-the-uk/|bigissue.com]])]
 + Studies have shown that veterans are over-represented among the homeless population in the United Kingdom, but it is not clear to what extent this is specifically true for Gulf War veterans.
 +
 +Some estimates suggest that around 10% of the homeless population in the UK are veterans, with a proportion of those being Gulf War veterans. However, the true number is likely to be higher as many veterans who are homeless do not self-identify as such, making it difficult to get an accurate count.
 +
 +There are a variety of factors that contribute to veterans experiencing homelessness, including mental health issues such as PTSD and depression, as well as issues related to substance abuse and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
 +
 +The UK government and veterans' organizations have taken steps to address the issue of homelessness among veterans, including providing housing and support services, and outreach programs to help veterans access these services. Additionally, the Veterans UK, a government department, provides a range of services to veterans including housing and financial assistance to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
 +
 +It's worth noting that the UK has a duty to provide housing to its veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The act makes it a legal duty for local authorities to provide assistance to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
 +
 +=====Alcohol=====
 +
 +Substance use disorder, such as alcohol use disorder, commonly co-occur with PTSD [( :harvard:Maxmen2002>>
 +authors   : Maxmen JS, Ward NG
 +title     : Psychotropic drugs: fast facts (3rd ed.) 
 +publisher : W. Norton & Company
 +published : 2002
 +pages     : 348
 +isbn      : 978-0-393-70301-6
 +url       : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-393-70301-6
 +)]
 +. Studies have found that between 30-50% of individuals with PTSD also struggle with alcohol abuse or dependence. This is likely due to the fact that many individuals with PTSD use alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with the symptoms of their disorder, such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks. However, it is important to note that alcohol use can exacerbate the symptoms of PTSD and make the disorder worse over time. 
 +
 +=====Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD)=====
 +
 +Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD)[(C-PTSD>Complex post-traumatic stress disorder[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_post-traumatic_stress_disorder|Wikipedia]])] is a type of PTSD that occurs after an individual experiences prolonged and repeated traumatic events. It is characterized by symptoms similar to those of PTSD, but with additional features such as feelings of emotional dysregulation, difficulty with self-perception, and problems with relationships.
 +
 +cPTSD is considered to be a "complex" form of PTSD because it is caused by prolonged, repeated trauma, often in the context of a relationship with a caregiver or authority figure, such as in cases of child abuse, domestic violence, and war. This type of trauma can lead to disruptions in the development of the self, in the ability to regulate emotions and in the capacity to form healthy relationships.
 +
 +The symptoms of cPTSD can be divided into three categories:
 +
 +  - Intrusive symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and dissociation
 +  - Avoidance symptoms, such as emotional numbing and difficulty trusting others
 +  - Negative changes in mood and cognition, such as feelings of guilt, shame, and a sense of being fundamentally flawed.
 +
 +cPTSD also includes symptoms such as:
 +
 +  * Difficulty regulating emotions, including feeling emotionally "flat" or labile (easily shifting between different emotional states)
 +  * Difficulty with self-perception, including feeling like a "different person" or having a sense of fragmentation
 +  * Difficulty with relationships, including feeling detached from others and difficulty with trust and intimacy
 +
 +It is important to note that cPTSD is not yet recognized as a separate disorder in the Diagn and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but is considered a "condition for further study" with some professional bodies recognizing it as a distinct disorder.
 +
 + 
 +
  
  
  • Last modified: 2023/01/24 18:20
  • by andrewtaustin