3MB Psychiatry: Trauma Response
This flashcard set reviews risk factors that increase vulnerability to trauma, identifies rape as the event most associated with PTSD, explains the physiological “freeze” response, and outlines key clinical features of complex PTSD such as low self-esteem, mood disturbance, and self-harm.
List some risk factors for heightened responses to trauma
Sudden, unexpected event
Man-made rather than natural
Prolonged exposure
Threat to life, death
Personal factors (family)
Key Terms
List some risk factors for heightened responses to trauma
Sudden, unexpected event
Man-made rather than natural
Prolonged exposure
Threat to life, death
Personal factors (family)
What is associated with the highest incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder?
Rape
What is the freeze response?
Body goes into shutdown with immobility in the presence of “inevitable” danger (think of a deer on the road)
List some clinical features of complex PTSD
Low self-esteem, self-blame
Hopelessness
Somatisation
Mood disturbance
Self-harm
What is the most emotionally charged part of the brain?
Amygdala
List the main features of PTSD (FAANDER)
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Avoidance
Arousal (increased)
Emotional numbness
Dissociation
Re-enactment
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
List some risk factors for heightened responses to trauma | Sudden, unexpected event Man-made rather than natural Prolonged exposure Threat to life, death Personal factors (family) |
What is associated with the highest incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder? | Rape |
What is the freeze response? | Body goes into shutdown with immobility in the presence of “inevitable” danger (think of a deer on the road) |
List some clinical features of complex PTSD | Low self-esteem, self-blame Hopelessness Somatisation Mood disturbance Self-harm |
|
|
List the main features of PTSD (FAANDER) | Flashbacks Nightmares Avoidance Arousal (increased) Emotional numbness Dissociation Re-enactment |
How long after a traumatic event can PTSD be diagnosed? | 3 months after |
If trauma symptoms are mild and present for less than 4 weeks, what is the treatment? | Watchful waiting with support |
List some psychotherapy that may be used for PTSD | CBT |
Which antidepressant is licensed for use in PTSD? | Paroxetine (SSRI) |