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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Following an unusual and an unexpected event, that is stressful, such as being diagnosed with cancer, one may develop characteristic symptoms that may differ slightly from person to person. This normal human response has been classified into two broad categories; adjustment disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. (Nicholas A., Nicki R., Brian R., and John A.A.)
Post traumatic stress disorder is a type of response, which has a delayed onset and is of a prolonged nature, to events that are particularly threatening in quality, for example, being part of, or witnessing an earthquake. Slightly differing from the novel definition, this disorder can also occur with events that may not be life threatening. According to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, PTSD can occur due to an actual or even a threatened death or injury to oneself or to others. Needless to say, the incident or incidents must only be perceived as threatening by the individual. Recent evidence indicates that PTSD can also result from distressing medical treatments, sexual abuse or bullying. (Nicholas A., Nicki R., Brian R., and John A.A. )
In a survey conducted regarding bone marrow chemotherapy and PTSD amongst women, using the DSM-IV criteria, twelve to nineteen percent of the patients were suffering from symptoms of this disorder. According to this study, PTSD was related to poorer physical and mental health and lack of sleep.
The term post-traumatic stress disorder was first coined in the mid 1970s, which included the post-Vietnam syndrome. Dating back from this era, this disorder was mostly and exclusively only observed in military personnel. However, recently, as a result of modern living, PTSD has entered the gateway of institutions, offices and homes. With an increase in technological advances, widespread warfare, global communication and the war on terror, there has been a greater scope for traumatic imagery. Media, too, could have played a greater role by portraying non-traumatic incidents in an exaggerated stressful manner.
The symptoms of PTSD are divided into primary and secondary. The primary symptoms...
The secondary symptoms are associated features which have been observed to coexist with the disorder, but do not form part of the diagnostic criteria. (Kirtland C., Maurice F., and Robert A. 11-35)
To be classified as a PTSD sufferer, there needs to be a recognizable stress factor, which would evoke a response of distress in most people, along with a combination of symptoms. These symptoms include: (Kirtland C., Maurice F., and Robert A. 11-35)
1) Re-experiencing the incident either through recall of memories, repeated dreams of the event or a sudden feeling as if the traumatic event was about to re-occur through an association of environmental stimulus. These nightmares or typical flashbacks cause the patient to be in a state of anxiety, symptoms of autonomic arousal, emotional blunting and avoidance of situations which evoke these flashbacks. (Kirtland C., Maurice F., and Robert A. 11-35)
2) Decreased interest in the present surrounding, following the trauma, as shown through decreased responsiveness, feeling of aloofness from people and a constrained affect. (Kirtland C., Maurice F., and Robert A. 11-35)
At least two of the following qualities that were not present before the traumatic incidence need to be present: (Kirtland C., Maurice F., and Robert A. 11-35)
1) Increased alertness or an exaggerated startle response to a stimulus.
2) Irregular sleep patters or a decreased quality in sleep.
3) Feeling of guilt about survival.
4) Decreased concentration and memory.
5) Avoidance of activities that evoke memories of the traumatic event.
6) Intensification of symptoms with exposure to events or conversations that resemble or remind one of the incidents.
The secondary symptoms include anxiety and depression, which are usually associated with PTSD. Excessive use of alcohol or abusing drugs frequently complicates the clinical condition. (Kirtland C., Maurice F., and Robert A. 11-35)
PTSD is a dynamic, complex disease rather than one which has a set of symptoms that are uni-dimensional, therefore there is no fixed treatment…
References:
Nicholas A. Boon, Nicki R. Colledge, Brian R. Walker, John A.A. Hunter. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine (2006). India, Elsevier.
Kirtland C., Peterson, Prout Maurice F., and Schwarz Robert A. Post Traumatic Disorder - A Clinician's Guide. 5th. New York: Plenum Press, 2006. 11-35
Paul B, Jacobson, Widows Michelle R., Hann Danette M., and Andrykowsi Michael A. "Post Traumatic Disorder symptoms after bone marrow transplantation for breast cancer." Psychosomatic Medicine 60. (1998): 366-367. Web. 13 May 2011. <http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/content/60/3/366.
John P. Wilson, Matthew J. Friedman, and Jacob D. Lindy, eds., Treating Psychological Trauma and Ptsd (New York: Guilford Press, 2001) iii, Questia, Web, 14 May 2011.
Stress and Job Performance in the Nursing Profession Sources and Consequences of Stress Participants Materials Job Satisfaction and Feelings of Adequacy Job Performance Gender and Menopausal Status Expected Results and Discussion The relationship between work-related stress and job performance in the nursing profession Work-related stress is best defined as the harmful emotional and physical reactions that often result from the interactions between the worker and his/her work environment where the demands of the job negatively affect the worker's
For the delayed-treatment group, significant improvement was shown after they received self-examination therapy. From this study, the LaTorre work and the work of Dia, it is reasonable to conclude that empowerment is conducive to better outcomes in those with generalized anxiety disorder. Dia (2001) noted that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is now a respected and proven model of psychotherapy, as noted by a t ask force of the American Psychological Association.
The subjects were 613 injured Army personnel Military Deployment Services TF Report 13 admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center from March 2003 to September 2004 who were capable of completing the screening battery. Soldiers were assessed at approximately one month after injury and were reassessed at four and seven months either by telephone interview or upon return to the hospital for outpatient treatment. Two hundred and forty-three soldiers
IRB for My Pilot Study Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Classroom Communication in Immigrant Children IRB PROPOSAL This study will compare the communication of immigrant children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in classroom with immigrant children who do not have PTSD. Immigrant children are a vulnerable population thus the focus of this research and they are often at high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder from their experience in their origin Fawzi
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Attendance will be required for all group members to optimize the effect of the sessions. Group members will be allowed to leave the group as long as the intention to leave is provided in writing. No reasons will be required. Because of the nature of the group, a mutual confidentiality agreement will be signed by all group members, including leaders, at the first meeting of the group. There will generally