Psychological Disorder Paper free essay sample

Psychological Disorder Paper Marvin Arnold University of Phoenix PSY/450 Shally Vaid February 28, 2011 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is caused by a traumatic event. PTSD can be developed when an individual experience, or observe an event that caused intense fear, helplessness and horror (Mayo Clinic, n. d. ). Post-traumatic stress disorder has identifiable symptoms, specific therapeutic interventions, and affects all segments of the population. PTSD is commonly associated with our military personnel who were involved in combat, from World War 1 to the police action in Iraq this illness has been labeled a variety of names by the military such as: shell shock, battle fatigued, gross stress reaction, and post –Vietnam syndrome (Edwards, n. d. ). PTSD is an emotional illness that has only been recognized as a formal diagnosis since 1980 (Edwards, R. , 1996). Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged or severe exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by extended problems with emotional and social functioning (Edwards, R. We will write a custom essay sample on Psychological Disorder Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 1996). The most common symptoms associated with PTSD are intrusive memories which may include flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time; and, upsetting dreams about the traumatic event (Mayo Clinic, n. d. ). Avoidance and emotional numbness which may include trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event, feeling emotionally numb, avoiding activities once enjoyed, hopelessness about the future, memory lapses, poor concentration, and difficulty maintaining close relationships (Mayo Clinic, n. . ). Another identifiable symptom of PTSD is anxiety or increased emotional arousal which may include irritability, anger, aggression, overwhelming guilt or shame, self-destructive behavior such as substance abuse, trouble sleeping in the form of nightmares and/or insomnia, being easily startled or frightened, hearing or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations) (Mayo Clinic, n. d. ). Other common symptoms of PTSD are feelings of mistrust and betrayal, depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, feelings of alienation, and hysical aches and pains (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). Symptoms of PTSD generally come and go typically manifesting themselves during times of higher stress or when experiencing reminders of the traumatic event. An individual with PTSD can relive a combat experience simply from hearing a car backfire or a rape victim may feel extreme horror or fear when hearing a news report of another rape. Disturbing feelings and changes in emotional stability are common after a traumatic event but an individual who experiences these thoughts and feelings more than a month after the traumatic event should seek professional help for support and to develop new coping skills to overcome the symptoms of PTSD (Mayo Clinic, n. d. ). Treatment for PTSD helps to relieve symptoms by guiding the individual through the emotions and sensations experienced during the original event and offering an outlet for emotions that have been bottled up (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). In treatment, the individual is encouraged to recall the traumatic event rather than avoiding the trauma or any reminder of it (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). Treatment will also help restore a sense of control and reduce feelings of hopelessness and victimization that the memory of the trauma imposes on the life of the patient (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). In treatment the patient must explore their thoughts and feelings about the event, work through feelings of guilt, self-blame, and mistrust, and learn how to cope with and control intrusive memories (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). Treatment for PTSD includes Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which involves exposing the patient to the thoughts, feelings, and situations that remind them of the trauma, particularly ones that are distorted and irrational and replacing them with a more balanced picture (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). Family therapy can be productive by involving loved ones to help them understand what the patient is goin g through, developing effective communication skills, and working through relational problems (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). Sometimes antidepressant medications are prescribed to relieve secondary symptoms of depression and anxiety such as Prozac and Zoloft. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) incorporates elements of CBT and other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation such as hand taps or sounds (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). It is believed that eye movements and other bilateral forms of stimulation works by unfreezing the brain’s nformation processing system and interrupting traumatic thoughts during times of stress leaving only frozen emotional fragments retained in their original intensity and integrating them into cohesive memory and processed (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). PTSD can occur in individuals who have experienced threats to their personal safety and well-being whether real or perceived; and, affects all segments of the population. Most peo ple associate PTSD with soldiers in military combat but PTSD can affect anyone who personally experience a catastrophe, those who witness it, and those who provide support after the event (Smith, M. Segal, J. , 2010). Statistics indicate that 7 – 8% of Americans will develop PTSD in their lifetime with prevalence in combat and rape victims from 10 – 30% (Edwards, R. , 1996). Minority ethnic groups such African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are thought to have a higher occurrences due to higher rates of dissociation (peritraumatic), a tendency to self-blame, and they have less social support (Edwards, R. , 1996). Statistics in children and teens indicate up to more than 40% have endured at least one traumatic event resulting in the development of PTSD with 15% in girls and 6% in boys (Edwards, R. 1996). 100% of children who have seen a parent killed or endured sexual assault or abuse tend to develop PTSD (Edwards, R. , 1996). Unfortunately, Post traumatic s tress disorder affects all segments of the population with the biggest impact on our military personnel. Our daily hero’s such as police officers, emergency workers, and fire fighters must be treated frequently for this disorder. Fortunately, with early recognition of symptoms, treatment can relieve and alleviate the affects of this disorder and restore healthy emotional and social functioning. REFERENCES Mayo Clinic (n. d. ) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Retrieved at: http://www. bing. com/health/article/mayo Edwards, R. (1996) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Retrieved at: http://www. medicinenet. com/posttraumatic_stress_disorder/article. htm Smith, M. Segal, J. (2010) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help Retrieved at: http://helpguide. org/mental/post-traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment. htm