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Does this post-trauma presentation meet PTSD, and do disturbances in self-organisation make it complex PTSD?
More, if you want it
Which problems does the patient report after the trauma?Tap a term: its definition, what you can do with it, and how often the exam asks it.
Definition: constant alertness after trauma, with insomnia and an exaggerated startle response.
You can: Tell hyperarousal from hypersomnia by whether the patient sleeps poorly and startles easily.
Definition: keeping away from places and things that recall the trauma.
You can: Tell avoidance from a wish to revisit by whether the patient keeps away from the trauma place.
Definition: core PTSD symptoms with disturbances in self-organisation added.
You can: Tell complex PTSD from PTSD by the added disturbances in self-organisation.
Each card is one term. The grey line is what the patient says, which is what the question stem gives.
Summary
Hyperarousal is a state of constant alertness and tension after trauma, with insomnia as a typical feature.
Hyperarousal is a state of constant alertness and tension after trauma, with as a typical feature. PTSD symptoms usually begin within 6 months of the trauma. Autonomic hyperarousal is a typical PTSD feature, with a racing body and a sense of threat.
Hyperarousal in PTSD shows as exaggerated startle, irritability and outbursts. Patients also have trouble concentrating and cannot relax. The PTSD triad is intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance of trauma reminders, and hyperarousal. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a set of symptoms that follows a trauma.
Mia is a child who attends a mental health clinic after a road crash. Mia says, "I jump at every bang and I can't get to sleep."
Candidates often pick or decreased startle as PTSD features. A patient with PTSD sleeps too little and startles more easily. PTSD has no diagnostic EEG changes. PTSD also has no age below which the diagnosis cannot occur.
Children can have PTSD after direct experience of threatened death or serious injury. Children can also have PTSD after witnessing abuse, violence, accidents or disasters.
5 more sections on Complex PTSD and PTSD: hyperarousal, avoidance, disturbances in self-organisation and more
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