A Thesis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Nina Wells
Michelle Cox
Psychology 001
12 May 2015
Psychological Disorder: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PSTD, is a unique psychological disorder which may present itself within an individual anywhere between three months to even years after the date of the traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include, but is not limited to the following and is usually categorized in four basic symptoms. Intrusive Memories, Avoidance, Negative Changes in Mood and Behavior, and Changes in Emotional Reactions. Each category has its own list of in-depth sub symptoms and we must remember that each individual may experience each category or sub category differently. Some symptoms can be mild while with others they may be more severe and can interfere with the normalcies of life, also referred to as ADL’s, activities of daily living.
Intrusive memories can include sub symptoms of recurrent and unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event and/or reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again, this sub symptom is known as having flashbacks. When an individual experiences this symptom they can also experience a panic attack. (describe panic attack) other sub symptoms included in intrusive memories are upsetting dreams of traumatic event, this can be referred to as night terrors if it affects the individual severely, and severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds the individual of the traumatic event.
In the symptom category of avoidance, an individual may try to avoid thinking or talking about the event, avoiding places, activities or people that might remind the individual of the trauma. Within the third category of PTSD, an individual may experience negative changes in thinking and mood. This can manifest as negative self-perception or negative perception of others, the inability to experience positive emotions or happiness, may leave the individual feeling numb and/or hopeless about the
Michelle Cox
Psychology 001
12 May 2015
Psychological Disorder: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PSTD, is a unique psychological disorder which may present itself within an individual anywhere between three months to even years after the date of the traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include, but is not limited to the following and is usually categorized in four basic symptoms. Intrusive Memories, Avoidance, Negative Changes in Mood and Behavior, and Changes in Emotional Reactions. Each category has its own list of in-depth sub symptoms and we must remember that each individual may experience each category or sub category differently. Some symptoms can be mild while with others they may be more severe and can interfere with the normalcies of life, also referred to as ADL’s, activities of daily living.
Intrusive memories can include sub symptoms of recurrent and unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event and/or reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again, this sub symptom is known as having flashbacks. When an individual experiences this symptom they can also experience a panic attack. (describe panic attack) other sub symptoms included in intrusive memories are upsetting dreams of traumatic event, this can be referred to as night terrors if it affects the individual severely, and severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds the individual of the traumatic event.
In the symptom category of avoidance, an individual may try to avoid thinking or talking about the event, avoiding places, activities or people that might remind the individual of the trauma. Within the third category of PTSD, an individual may experience negative changes in thinking and mood. This can manifest as negative self-perception or negative perception of others, the inability to experience positive emotions or happiness, may leave the individual feeling numb and/or hopeless about the