Question

Describe briefly about Post traumatic disorder. Describe both the behavioral and biological components of disease. What treatment options exist for each component of the disease.

Answer 1

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. Overwhelming trauma can cause changes in brain function that produce biological symptoms such as hyperarousal, numbing, sleep disturbance, irritability, intrusive emotions and memories, flashbacks, outbursts, and memory impairment. The behavioural components include avoidance of places, activities or people that serve as reminders of the traumatic event, self-destructive behaviour, social detachment, lack of interest in activities and so on.

The primary treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy, but can also include medication to address the biological components if they are extremely severe. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognise faulty ways of thinking and their consequent maladaptive behaviours. For PTSD, cognitive therapy often is used along with exposure therapy. Several types of medications also can help improve symptoms of PTSD such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication.