Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Psychological Trauma
Number of Conditions: 2
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Specialty: Trauma and Injuries
Category: Other Trauma-Related Conditions
Sub-category: Psychological Trauma
Symptoms:
flashbacks; nightmares; severe anxiety; hypervigilance; irritability; avoidance of reminders; emotional numbness
Root Cause:
PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that disrupts normal psychological functioning. It involves the brain's inability to process and cope with the event, leading to persistent stress responses.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made based on clinical assessment and criteria set by the DSM-5, which include exposure to a traumatic event and symptoms lasting more than a month, impacting daily functioning.
Treatment:
Treatment typically involves psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy) and medications such as antidepressants. In some cases, trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are used.
Medications:
Common medications prescribed include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), which are antidepressants that help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Other medications may include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor ) and sleep aids like prazosin (Minipress ) to reduce nightmares.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
PTSD affects approximately 7-8% of the population at some point in their lives. It is more common in people who have experienced combat, sexual assault, or other life-threatening situations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Factors that increase the risk include a history of trauma, pre-existing mental health conditions, family history of PTSD or mental illness, and lack of social support after the traumatic event.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
PTSD can be effectively managed with treatment, though some individuals may experience long-term symptoms. The prognosis varies based on the severity of symptoms, the individual's support system, and access to care.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Untreated PTSD can lead to complications such as depression, substance abuse, self-harm, relationship difficulties, and an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Acute stress disorder
Specialty: Trauma and Injuries
Category: Other Trauma-Related Conditions
Sub-category: Psychological Trauma
Symptoms:
intrusive memories of the trauma; avoidance of reminders; negative mood or thoughts; hyperarousal; dissociation; sleep disturbances; irritability
Root Cause:
Acute stress disorder occurs after experiencing a traumatic event. It is the body's immediate psychological response, which, if unresolved, can develop into PTSD. The trauma causes overwhelming stress that impacts normal cognitive and emotional functioning.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made based on clinical evaluation and DSM-5 criteria, which include symptoms occurring within three days to one month after a traumatic event. These symptoms must cause significant distress or functional impairment.
Treatment:
Treatment involves trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sometimes medications like SSRIs to manage anxiety and depression. Early intervention is critical in preventing the progression to PTSD.
Medications:
SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) may be prescribed to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms. In some cases, benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) are used in the short term to manage acute anxiety, although these are generally avoided due to the risk of dependence.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Acute stress disorder occurs in approximately 10-20% of individuals who have experienced a traumatic event.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include previous trauma history, lack of social support, pre-existing mental health conditions, and severity of the trauma experienced.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis is generally positive with timely and appropriate treatment, but if left untreated, the disorder may develop into PTSD.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include the development of PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. There can also be significant impairment in social, occupational, and personal functioning if not addressed.