Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Chapter 15 6 Post

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Chapter 15. 6

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder-PTSD § Psychological disorder caused by exposure to events involving death, serious injury or sexual violence § Symptoms can include disturbing memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and other distressing symptoms § Incidence is 3. 5% in the general population § 20 -30% among military members and veterans § Diagnosis created in 1977

PTSD symptoms § Hypervigilance, Anxiety § Irritable unable to relax § Unable to sleep § Depression, suicide § Recurring Dreams § Flashbacks § Distressing, disturbing and spontaneously recurring memories of the event, may be triggered by sensations, smells, sights, sounds, etc. § Dissociative reactions, feeling back in the moment instantly § Psychological distress when reminded of the event, avoidance of cues related to event § Obvious physical reactions to environmental cues related to the event § Often feelings of guilt, helplessness, isolation, irritability, aggression § Symptoms have lasted longer than a month (Acute Stress Disorder)

PTSD Severity Ø War is different than it was 50 -100 years ago. The enemy is less clear, outcome or winning is less evident Ø Severity of Trauma Ø Repetition of trauma Ø Long term exposure to trauma Ø Length of deployment Ø Multiple deployments Ø Complications from concussions (CTE) due to exposure to bomb blasts

§ What life experiences other than war are likely to trigger PTSD? § Bank Robbery § Car accident § Witness to physical injury or death § Threat to your own life or someone close to you § Natural disasters § Physical or Sexual Abuse

Treating PTSD Cognitive Therapy § Exposure therapy/Systematic desensitization § Meditation § Group therapy § Debriefing in the field § Medications for anxiety and or Depression may also be prescribed Stellate Ganglion block § Possible new treatment, injection is given in a bundle of nerves at the base of the neck. Block has been used for pain for years and is currently being researched for PTSD § Appears to reset the Sympathetic nervous system. § SNS is overactive and unable to shut down in PTSD sufferers § Strong evidence for a physical basis for PTSD § Research is still inconclusive on whether it is effective in treating PTSD §

What occupations might be at risk for PTSD? Many Fire Departments have regular debriefings to help firefighters cope with stress and trauma on the job § Burnout is common among emergency workers § Depression, anxiety, irritability substance abuse, aggressive behavior, etc. are common reactions §