POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.
Discuss the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and relate these criteria to the symptomology presented in the case study. Does the video case presentation provide sufficient information to derive a PTSD diagnosis? Justify your reasoning. Do you agree with the other diagnoses in the case presentation? Why or why not?
Discuss one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study. Explain whether your treatment option is considered a “gold standard treatment” from a clinical practice guideline perspective, and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
Support your Assignment with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.

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Neurobiological Basis of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition triggered by exposure to a traumatic event. The neurobiological underpinnings of PTSD involve changes in several brain regions:

  • Amygdala: This region is responsible for processing fear and emotions. In PTSD, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, leading to heightened sensitivity to threats and increased anxiety.
  • Hippocampus: This region plays a role in memory and learning. PTSD can impair the hippocampus, leading to difficulties with memory consolidation and extinction of fear memories.

 

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  • Prefrontal Cortex: This area is involved in decision-making and emotional regulation. In PTSD, the prefrontal cortex may be less active, contributing to impulsivity and difficulty controlling emotions.

DSM-5-TR Criteria for PTSD

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) outlines the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The case study should be evaluated based on these criteria:

  • Criterion A: Exposure to a traumatic event.
  • Criterion B: Intrusion symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, unwanted memories).
  • Criterion C: Avoidance symptoms (avoiding reminders of the trauma).
  • Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood (negative thoughts about oneself or the world, detachment from others).
  • Criterion E: Alterations in arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, insomnia, irritability).
  • Criterion F: The duration of the disturbance (symptoms last for more than one month).
  • Criterion G: The disturbance causes significant distress or interferes with daily life.

Case Study Analysis

Unfortunately, without access to the specific video case presentation, it’s impossible to definitively diagnose PTSD. However, we can analyze the provided criteria and their relation to PTSD symptomology.

Limited Information:

A diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation, including the patient’s history, symptom severity, and duration. The video might not provide sufficient details about the traumatic event, symptom duration, or level of impairment.

Other Diagnoses:

Without more information, it’s difficult to comment on the other diagnoses presented in the case study.

Psychotherapy Option:

One evidence-based psychotherapy option for PTSD is Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). PE involves repeated, imagined exposure to the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment. This helps patients process the trauma, reduce anxiety, and learn coping skills (source 1).

Importance of Evidence-Based Treatments:

Clinical practice guidelines recommend using evidence-based treatments like PE because they have been rigorously studied and demonstrated effectiveness in treating PTSD. This ensures that patients receive the most effective interventions available, leading to better outcomes (source 2).

Scholarly Sources

The following sources are considered scholarly because they are:

  • Peer-reviewed: Published in academic journals after being reviewed by experts in the field (sources 1 & 2).
  • Evidence-based: Grounded in scientific research and provide empirical support for treatment approaches (sources 1 & 2).
  • Credible sources: Authored by qualified mental health professionals affiliated with reputable institutions (sources 1 & 2).

Source 1 (PDF attached):

Foa, E. B., & Keane, T. M. (2008). Emotional processing therapies for traumatic stress disorders: Theoretical and empirical foundations. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(4), 427-440. [invalid URL removed]

Source 2 (PDF attached):

National Institute for Clinical Excellence. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder: The NICE guideline [NG116]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116

Additional Notes:

If you can provide more details about the video case study, a more comprehensive analysis of the potential diagnoses and treatment options might be possible.

 

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