After washing the required videos:
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.
Full Answer Section
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria and Case Study Application:
The DSM-5-TR outlines the following PTSD criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2022):
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Exposure to Trauma: The individual experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
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Intrusive Symptoms: Recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories of the traumatic event; distressing dreams; flashbacks; physiological reactions to cues that resemble the traumatic event.
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Avoidance: The individual avoids distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the trauma; avoids external reminders of the trauma.
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Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood: Inability to recall
Sample Answer
Analyzing PTSD in the Case Study:
Neurobiological Basis of PTSD:
PTSD involves complex neurobiological alterations in brain structures associated with fear, memory, and emotional regulation. The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are particularly affected (Yehuda, 2002).
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Amygdala: Hyperactivity in the amygdala, the brain's fear center, leads to heightened fear responses and exaggerated reactions to perceived threats.
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Hippocampus: Dysfunction in the hippocampus, involved in memory formation and retrieval, can lead to intrusive memories, flashbacks, and difficulty suppressing traumatic memories.
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Prefrontal Cortex: Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functioning, emotional regulation, and decision-making, contributes to impaired cognitive control, difficulty regulating emotions, and impulsive behaviors.