PTSD

Question 1

Trauma-related risk factors for PTSD

Answer 1

Man made rather than natural events
Prolonged exposure
Perceived threat to life
Grotesqueness
Personally relevant e.g. death of family member

Question 2

What are the psychological reactions after trauma?

Answer 2

Depression
Grief reactions
Panic attacks and agoraphobia
Alcohol/drug dependence
Brief hypomania
Specific phobias

Question 3

What are the 2 main brain areas involved in PTSD?

Answer 3

Hippocampus

Amygdala

Question 4

What are the serum cortisol levels like in PTSD?

Answer 4

Low

Question 5

Brain changes in PTSD

Answer 5

Activity shifts to brainstem
Hippocampal atrophy
Increased activity of amygdala and limbic system
Deactivation of broca's area
Right-hemispheric lateralisation