Question

Imagine that you know someone with a trauma-related disorder. Describe his or her specific symptomology, etiology, epidemiology, and treatment recommendations. The person should be fictitious, but your explanations should be accurate for the disorder you choose to discuss. Be creative! Ensure your response is original. Do not just recite material from the textbook. Your response must be at least 300 words in length.

Answer 1

So let's discuss about this person 'X' who has been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. X has started experiencing symptoms of PTSD after he met with an automobile accident in which he lost his spouse. To add on, let's assume that the accident was not because of X's fault. Ever since, X has been experiencing a variety of symptoms including the inability to drive a car again because X was driving the car at the time of the accident. Let's say it's almost a month that the accident has taken place and that X has lost his spouse. It should be noted that he loved his wife a lot and he was very attached to her. Ever since he is been experiencing these symptoms that are causing impairment in X's ability to function in daily life.

The symptoms faced by X include all four types, i.e., intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

To begin with, X is experiencing recurrent unwanted memories about the accident. He is getting frequent flashbacks that make him feel as if he is reliving the accident again. He has nightmares about the accident and is also emotionally distressed over this intrusive thoughts. Additionally, X has been putting in conscious efforts to not talk about the incident. He is also trying to avoid to visit the place of accident by all means. Furthermore, X is experiencing negative thoughts about himself. He feels excessively guilty about the accident even when it wasn't his fault. X also feels emotionally numb at times and has developed hatred towards the world. He feels that life is unjust and that whatever happened in the accident was not fair. X has also distanced himself from his family and friends and barely talks to anyone. He also finds it difficult to engage himself in any activity of interest. X now finds the future to be extremely uncertain amd has started questioning his existence. Lastly, X is easily frightened by any loud sound. X has trouble in sleeping and is unable to concentrate on his daily tasks. He has become very irritable. X has also become suicidal and feels that there is no point in living life any longer.

Now X's parents have been noticing these changes within him over a month and has now decided to forcefully take him to see a psychologist. Upon visiting the psychologist, X is diagnosed with PTSD. The treatment intervention that can help X would include a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

X can be treated using cognitive therapy which will enable him to recognize his cognitive patterns especially that of negative thinking. This can be paired with exposure therapy. Using this therapy will help X to confront both the situation and memories related to the traumatic event. This can also involve the use of virtual reality programs in which X is slowly exposed to the site of accident again. This therapy will help X to deal with his flashbacks and nightmares. Lastly, the psychologist can also refer X to a psychiatrist who can then prescribe him medication like antidepressants and anti anxiety medication that will help to ease the symptoms of X.

Hope this answer helps!