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Year 4 - Mental Health > Reactions to stress > Flashcards

Flashcards in Reactions to stress Deck (7)
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1
Q

name the 3 core features of PTSD

A

Symptoms present for >1 month

  1. avoidance - of reminders of event, sense of ‘numbness’ and emotional blunting, detachment from other people
  2. hyperarousal - hypervigilance, insomnia, enhanced startle reaction
  3. intrusions - flashbacks, nightmares

Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, DSH and substance abuse may also be present.

2
Q

suggest possible management options for PTSD

A
  1. trauma-focused CBT
  2. EMDR
  3. consider venlafaxine or SSRI if person has preference for drug Tx
  4. consider risperidone in addition to psychological Tx if disabling Sx (e.g. hyperarousal and psychotic Sx) + Sx have not responded to other Tx
3
Q

suggest possible predisposing factors for PTSD

A
  • Hx of mood/anxiety disorders
  • Hx of trauma
  • female gender
  • lower IQ
  • lack of social support
  • FHx/genetics
  • neuroticism
4
Q

what are the features of an acute stress reaction?

A
  1. anxiety (response to threatening experiences) and/or depression (response to loss)
  2. insomnia and poor concentration
  3. numbness/restlessness
  4. coping strategies, esp. avoidance, +/- defence mechanisms, esp. denial
  5. sweating, palpitations, tremor

Usually subside within hrs to days after exceptional physical/mental stress

5
Q

suggest possible management options for acute stress reaction

A
  1. watchful waiting - as most will resolve over time

2. brief trauma-focused CBT if needed

6
Q

What is a coping strategy? When can it be maladaptive?

A

Activity (of which person is aware) to reduce the impact of stressful events, thus attenuating emotional/somatic response. Can be:

  • problem-solving strategies e.g. seeking help/info
  • emotion-reducing strategies e.g. venting emotion

Maladaptive coping strategies reduce emotional response in short term but cause greater difficulties in long term e.g.

  • alcohol/drugs
  • self harm e.g. OD or self-injury
  • aggressive behaviour
7
Q

What is a defense mechanism?

A

Unconscious responses to external stressors or anxiety from internal conflict e.g. denial, displacement, projection, regression, repression…