Characteristics of PTSD-6
- Exposure to traumatic event
- Event persistently re-experienced
- Avoidance of trauma-associated stimuli
- Increased arousal
- Duration longer than one month
- Significant stress/impairment
PTSD Pneumonic (TRAUMA)
Traumatic event Recurrent recollections Avoidance Unable to function Month long symptoms Arousal increased – Insomnia, Irritable
3 categories of PTSD symptoms
- re-experiencing symptoms
- avoidance symptoms
- hyper-arousal symptoms
Re-experiencing symptoms-3
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
-Frightening thoughts
definition of flashbacks
the trauma is relived over and over and includes physical symptoms such as elevated heart rate and perspiration
Avoidance symptoms-5
-Staying away from places, events or objects that are reminders of the experience
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Feeling strong guilt, depression or worry
• Losing interest in activities that were enjoyable in the past
• Having trouble remembering the dangerous event
Hyper-arousal symptoms-3
- Being easily startled
- Feeling tense or “on edge”
- Having difficulty sleeping, and/or having angry outbursts
First line tx for PTSD
-SSRI
What does minipress prazosin do?
- helps with nightmares
- blocks affects of adrenaline
What drug is used PRN before a triggering event?
propanolol
What does propranolol do for PTSD?
-Decreases elevated vital signs and signs of anxiety, panic, hypervigilance and insomnia
tx for ptsd-3
- medications
- therapy (CBT-group)
- EMDR
Co-occuring disorders with ptsd-3
- depression/anxiety
- suicidaility
- substance abuse
What is the most important part of promoting client safety for someone with PTSD?
continue to assess for potential self-harm or suicide
