Trauma & Stressor Related Disorders (Intro Psych Tutorial #229)

Summary

In this video, Michael Corayer explores trauma and stressor-related disorders in the DSM-5, focusing on PTSD. He explains that PTSD involves intrusive memories of trauma, typically emerging 3 months post-event, and is more common in those exposed to severe stress like military veterans and first responders. The video also touches on acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and the increased risk of suicide in those diagnosed with these conditions.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses trauma and stressor-related disorders in the DSM-5, focusing on PTSD.
• 🌟 PTSD is characterized by involuntary and intrusive memories of traumatic events, typically emerging about 3 months post-event.
• 👥 For a PTSD diagnosis, the patient must have firsthand experience with the traumatic stressors.
• 🎥 Flashbacks are a key symptom where individuals feel as if they are re-experiencing the traumatic event.
• 🏃 Behavioral symptoms of PTSD include avoidance of stimuli related to the trauma.
• 🔊 Somatic symptoms involve a heightened startle response, a physiological reaction to being startled.
• 🧠 Cognitive symptoms in PTSD manifest as negative beliefs and distorted cognitions, sometimes with catastrophizing thoughts.
• 📊 The lifetime prevalence of PTSD is about 8%, with a 12-month prevalence of 3.5%.
• 👮‍♂️ Higher prevalence rates are found among military veterans, first responders, and victims of crimes or assaults.
• 🤝 PTSD often co-occurs with other disorders, with about 80% of diagnosed individuals meeting criteria for another condition.
• ⏳ Acute stress disorder is a related condition focusing on short-term effects of trauma, with symptoms like depersonalization and guilt.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to review trauma and stressor-related disorders in the DSM-5, with a particular emphasis on PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

What is PTSD and what are its key symptoms?

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Key symptoms include recurrent involuntary and intrusive memories of the event, often manifesting as flashbacks, avoidance of related stimuli, heightened startle response, and negative beliefs or distorted cognitions.

Why is firsthand exposure to a traumatic event important for a PTSD diagnosis?

Firsthand exposure to a traumatic event is crucial for a PTSD diagnosis because the disorder is directly linked to the individual's personal experience of trauma. Intrusive memories about events like TV shows, movies, or video games do not qualify for PTSD diagnosis.

How soon after a traumatic event do PTSD symptoms typically emerge?

PTSD symptoms often emerge about 3 months following the traumatic event, although the timing can vary.

What is the difference between flashbacks and recalling a traumatic event?

Flashbacks involve the person feeling as if they are re-experiencing the event, as if it is happening again, which is distinct from simply recalling or thinking about the event or ruminating over its details.

Which groups have a higher prevalence of PTSD?

The prevalence of PTSD is higher in groups such as military veterans, firefighters, police officers, first responders, medical personnel, and victims of crimes including rape, assault, and captivity.

Is PTSD diagnosed more in males or females?

Contrary to the stereotype that PTSD is more common among military veterans who are often male, more females receive a diagnosis of PTSD than males.

What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of PTSD?

The estimated lifetime prevalence of PTSD is about 8%, with a 12-month prevalence of 3.5%, meaning approximately 3.5% of the population suffers from this disorder over the course of a year.

What is comorbidity in PTSD?

Comorbidity in PTSD refers to the high likelihood that individuals diagnosed with PTSD also meet the criteria for another disorder, with about 80% of patients having an additional condition such as a depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, or a substance abuse disorder.

What is Acute Stress Disorder and how does it differ from PTSD?

Acute Stress Disorder focuses on the short-term effects of a traumatic event, occurring within a month of the event, and involves symptoms such as feelings of depersonalization and guilt. It differs from PTSD, which considers the long-term effects of exposure to a traumatic event or stressful situation.

What is Adjustment Disorder and how is it related to stress?

Adjustment Disorder is diagnosed when a person's symptoms and distress caused by a stressful life event are considered out of proportion with the stressor and cause impairments in social or occupational functioning. It can be triggered by less serious stressful events like breakups, divorce, occupational problems, natural disasters, or retirement.