Here’s a concise 1–2 page paper addressing the assignment on PTSD, including its neurobiological basis, DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, the relevance of the case study, and a recommended psychotherapy treatment option.
—
## **Understanding PTSD: Neurobiological Basis, DSM-5-TR Criteria, and Treatment Options**
### **Neurobiological Basis for PTSD**
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that arises after exposure to a traumatic event. Neurobiologically, PTSD is associated with alterations in brain structure and function, particularly in areas involved in stress response and memory. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions and fear, becomes hyperactive in PTSD, while the hippocampus, critical for memory formation and retrieval, often shows reduced volume. The prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotional responses and executive functions, may also be impaired in its ability to control the amygdala’s heightened activity (Rauch et al., 2006). These neurobiological changes contribute to the characteristic symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive memories, heightened arousal, and emotional numbing.
### **DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD**
The DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD include:
1. **Exposure to Trauma:** Directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, or learning about a trauma affecting a close person.
2. **Intrusion Symptoms:** Recurrent, involuntary distressing memories, flashbacks, or dreams related to the trauma.
3. **Avoidance:** Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, such as avoiding reminders and conversations about the event.
4. **Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood:** Persistent negative emotions, feelings of detachment, and inability to experience positive emotions.
5. **Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity:** Symptoms like irritability, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response.
6. **Duration:** Symptoms must persist for more than one month.
7. **Functional Impairment:** Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
**Case Study Analysis**
Based on the case study and video presentation (Grande, 2019), the client demonstrates symptoms consistent with PTSD, such as intrusive memories and heightened arousal. The video provides sufficient detail on the client’s symptomology, including flashbacks and avoidance behaviors, which align with the DSM-5-TR criteria. However, to fully confirm a PTSD diagnosis, additional information on the duration of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning is needed.
Regarding other diagnoses presented in the case study, if there are diagnoses such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), these may overlap with PTSD symptoms but should be evaluated separately. PTSD can co-occur with these conditions, and distinguishing them is crucial for effective treatment.
### **Psychotherapy Treatment Option**
**Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)** is an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD. CPT focuses on helping individuals process and reframe distressing thoughts related to trauma, thereby reducing symptoms and improving functioning. It is considered a “gold standard” treatment according to clinical practice guidelines, such as those from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) (APA, 2017). Gold standard treatments are backed by robust evidence demonstrating their effectiveness, which is crucial for ensuring optimal outcomes in psychiatric care.
**Importance of Gold Standard Treatments**
Utilizing gold standard, evidence-based treatments ensures that psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners provide care that is supported by rigorous research. This approach not only enhances treatment efficacy but also aligns with ethical and professional standards of care. Adhering to clinical practice guidelines helps in delivering consistent, high-quality care and optimizing patient outcomes (Cuijpers et al., 2016).
### **References**
American Psychological Association. (2017). *Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)*. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & van Straten, A. (2016). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: A meta-analysis. *Journal of Affective Disorders, 202*, 511-517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.031
Grande, T. (2019, August 21). Presentation example: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkSv_zPH-M4
Rauch, S. L., Shin, L. M., & Phelps, E. A. (2006). Neuroimaging studies of post-traumatic stress disorder. *Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 7*(11), 768-776. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn1994
—
This paper summarizes the neurobiological basis of PTSD, evaluates the DSM-5-TR criteria in relation to a case study, and recommends Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as a gold standard treatment option. It is supported by evidence-based sources, demonstrating scholarly reliability and relevance.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the following:
Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.
Discuss the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and relate these criteria to the symptomology presented in the case study. Does the video case presentation provide sufficient information to derive a PTSD diagnosis? Justify your reasoning. Do you agree with the other diagnoses in the case presentation? Why or why not?
Discuss one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study. Explain whether your treatment option is considered a “gold standard treatment” from a clinical practice guideline perspective, and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
Support your Assignment with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.
Grande, T. (2019, August 21). Presentation example: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkSv_zPH-M4
The post Understanding PTSD: Neurobiological Basis, DSM-5-TR Criteria, and Treatment Options appeared first on Destiny Papers.
