Case Study - PTSD Final Paper
Case Study - PTSD Final Paper
Case Study - PTSD Final Paper
Prepared by:
Anastacio, Bien Tristan P.
Bonganay, Regin
Garcia, Maylyn A.
Laniog, Mary Dawn Jhoana E.
Perez, May M.
Roy, Trina B.
Simangan, Pia Flor
Presented to:
Prof. Adrian Guinto
functional deficits are characteristic of this condition. In recent years have seen an
better the intricate processes that contribute to the disorder including altered
examples relevant to each of the three primary domains. In the study of Jovanovic et al.
(2013), individuals with trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, exhibit enhanced fear
potentiation, impaired fear inhibition, and heightened arousal. The study findings
suggest that these alterations in fear learning, extinction, and stress response
terms of genetics, development, and life experiences. Sherin and Nemeroff (2011)
stress the need to expand beyond a fundamental perspective of trauma intensity as the
primary driver of the severity of PTSD by examining the role of psychological trauma in
The review centers on the three basic categories of PTSD symptoms: recalling the
the endocrine and neurotransmitter pathways and the specific brain regions engaged in
fear behavior that govern stress reactions. The authors highlight existing evidence for
neurological anomalies in people with PTSD and their potential contribution to the
data. In the study by Shin and Liberzon (2010), the authors discuss the neurocircuitry
underlying fear, stress, and anxiety disorders, including PTSD. They emphasize the
involvement of brain regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex
in fear processing and regulation. These brain regions are crucial for fear conditioning,
In addition to discussing the common symptoms, the article delves into the
brain injury (TBI), finding shared neurobiological abnormalities. It discusses the impact
The authors concede that many elements of PTSD remain mysterious, leading to
continuous disputes within the scientific and clinical communities, despite significant
advances in understanding and treating the disorder. They highlight the significance of
ongoing research to uncover molecular markers for PTSD and to clarify the pre-existing
review, providing vital insights into the disorder's underlying causes. The article opens
the path for future research efforts to improve our understanding, diagnosis, and
SUMMARY
Endocrine Factor
PTSD patients, albeit this conclusion is not universal. These contradictory results
and severity, and comorbid trauma. Further evidence for the dysregulation of the
HPA axis has been found in PTSD patients, including sensitized negative
feedback inhibition, raised CRH concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid, and
may be a risk factor for PTSD susceptibility and maladaptive stress responses. It
exposed to trauma can prevent PTSD and that treating PTSD symptoms by
stress-related illnesses, such as PTSD, are also briefly discussed in the passage.
have elevated baseline levels in veterans with PTSD, with T3 levels continuing to
be elevated over time. This shows that higher T3 levels and subjective anxiety in
Overall, the paragraph emphasizes how the HPA and HPT axis, particularly, are
that alterations in these endocrine systems may be responsible for the peculiar
Increased urine excretion of dopamine and its metabolite have been seen in
The amino acids glutamate and GABA may also cause PTSD. GABA has
calming effects and blocks the neural circuits responsible for stress and terror
(PTSD).
The stress response involves peptides like CRH and neuropeptide Y. Particularly,
and stress-relieving qualities, and its decreased activity in PTSD may be a factor
in noradrenergic hyperactivity.
opioids. Opioid receptor antagonists can potentially help traumatized people with
Overall, the many symptoms and characteristics of PTSD result from the
Brain Circuitry
The following subsection addresses the typical alterations in brain structure and
stress disorder (PTSD). The hippocampus, amygdala, and cortical regions like
the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and orbitofrontal region are among the brain
PTSD. Long-term stress and excessive glucocorticoid levels can harm the
The cortical areas, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), mediate the
anomalies in the ACC's structure and neuronal integrity, and patients with PTSD
have lower volumes of the frontal cortex, especially the anterior cingulate cortex
(ACC). According to functional MRI studies, PTSD sufferers' medial PFCs are
severity of the symptoms is correlated with reduced activation of the medial PFC,
and effective SSRI therapy can restore activation patterns in this area. PTSD has
also been researched for the connectivity between the amygdala and medial
PFC and their relationship in activation patterns, albeit with mixed results.
Overall, the hippocampus, amygdala, and cortical regions of people with PTSD
show structural and functional changes, according to brain imaging studies. The
abnormalities linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how they relate to the
Cortisol, a hormone associated with the stress reaction, was one factor that one
study looked at in predicting the onset of PTSD. It was discovered that the disease may
already have a pre-existing risk factor in the form of low cortisol levels at the time of
trauma. Low cortisol levels may disinhibit particular brain circuits, resulting in
heightened stress reactions and fear conditioning, which aid in the onset of PTSD.
The shrinkage of the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory and
emotion processing, in people with PTSD has also been the subject of research. The
debate has centered on whether this decrease results from trauma exposure or if it
already existed before the traumatic occurrence. A study involving twins with different
histories of trauma exposure was carried out to address this. The hippocampus was
The study also raises the possibility that PTSD may be inherited with gray matter
reduction in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), another brain area involved in emotion
regulation.
more research is required to ascertain the timing and causes of other brain changes
connected to PTSD.
Risk and resilience for developing PTSD cover the variations in how people react
to stressful experiences and the variables that affect how post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) develops. After a traumatic occurrence, some people could feel brief
irregularities or distress, but fewer people will experience chronic psychopathology that
not. Finding the causes of vulnerability or resilience is crucial because the majority of
trauma survivors do not go on to develop PTSD. Three aspects are emphasized in the
stressors. Gender differences may affect how people react to and recover from stress,
and genetic variables may affect a person's propensity to develop PTSD. Additionally, a
person's likelihood of having PTSD may be affected by early experiences of stress and
It also discusses how physical traumas, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBI),
increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. These concurrent physical stressors may
this passage. Growing data indicate that genetic variables significantly affect the chance
penetrance.
Studies on families and twins have long suggested that PTSD is partly inherited.
Evidence also connects hereditary factors to the neurobiological aspects of PTSD, such
For instance, a variation in the dopamine transporter gene has been associated with a
higher incidence of PTSD among trauma survivors. Although the results of specific
research have been mixed, polymorphisms in the D2 receptor and serotonin transporter
Notably, it has been discovered that a genetic mutation in the FKBP5 gene,
receptor sensitivity, combines with childhood trauma to predict adult PTSD symptoms.
Furthermore, current research suggests that the diagnosis of PTSD and elevated
associated with particular genetic variants in estrogen response components and fear
physiology. These results add to our knowledge of the gender variations in PTSD risk
Research has found a number of genetic variants that increase the likelihood of
getting PTSD, despite the fact that the genetics of PTSD are complicated. These results
underline how crucial genetic factors are in determining PTSD vulnerability and may
this section, along with the possible causes of these variances. While the type of
exposure and the severity of the trauma may have an impact, they may not entirely
explain why women are more likely than males to experience PTSD.
according to research. Although results in humans are not always consistent, animal
studies show that females typically display stronger and longer-lasting stress responses
Genomic variations and the developmental impacts of sex hormones are two
factors that may be responsible for gender disparities in the stress response. Pregnancy
has been observed to increase the likelihood of PTSD in women, suggesting that
hippocampus and amygdala, two areas of the brain implicated in the stress reaction, is
also influenced by sex hormones. There are gender disparities in the brain's response
trauma translate into varying susceptibilities to the condition may become more
after trauma. It highlights how early bad events, such as prenatal and childhood stress,
can have long-lasting consequences on how the brain develops, affecting how sensitive
people are to stress and how susceptible they are to developing post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
According to research, those who endured childhood hardship are more likely to
experience PTSD in response to later stressful events like exposure to battle or natural
neurobiological reactions to stress and play a role in the later onset of PTSD.
Children who have witnessed domestic violence or have lived through natural
catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), according to studies. Similar symptoms to those seen in people with
(CRH), and low cortisol levels in nonhuman monkeys exposed to inconsistent mother
which the effects of early stress are most noticeable, investigate methods for
counteracting these effects, and examine the interaction between dispositional elements
harm coexists with psychological trauma, is discussed in this passage. Physical harm
can at least double the likelihood of having PTSD, according to studies on Vietnam
Veterans and more recent research on Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are
notably linked. Research on individuals with known TBI and surveys of US Marines
exposed to explosions in Iraq show that TBI increases the chance of acquiring PTSD.
Although subjective and objective symptoms of both disorders can overlap, it can be
difficult to distinguish between the dangers of PTSD and TBI. However, both conditions
multiplicative clinical effect. For instance, the interaction of PTSD symptoms with the
irritation and fury caused by TBI may result in a markedly increased risk profile for
violence. This is especially true when TBI accompanies frontal brain injury and
physical injuries, especially TBI, can make PTSD's low self-efficacy and loss of agency
worse. For those who become progressively more reliant over time, the psychological
difficulties associated with TBI can increase their risk of being victimized long-term.
The danger and complexity of clinical outcomes are increased when physical
injury is present in addition to psychological stress, such as TBI and PTSD. Healthcare
providers can more effectively address the unique issues presented by people who
The changes in the body seen in people with post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) are discussed in this section, along with their consequences for the
cascade can become overactive in PTSD due to a relative deficiency of baseline cortisol
during trauma, which can cause heightened and protracted stress reactions. The
noradrenergic and stress hormone activity affects the learning and extinction processes,
which hampers PTSD. These neurochemical imbalances impact how terror memories
symptoms.
declarative memory and context training. A damaged hippocampus can make it difficult
and further acquisition of fear associations. This is often coupled with excessive
amygdala reactions. The inability of the prefrontal cortex to regulate stress responses,
fear associations, and extinction processes further exacerbates the pathology of PTSD.
biochemical anomalies in PTSD, which also shed light on the disorder's underlying
Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Ph.D is a psychiatrist and experimenter who has made
has held leadership positions, including Chief Medical Officer for the Los Angeles
to internal health care for marginalized populations. Dr. Sherin has a substantial
publication record, with multitudinous papers and papers that punctuate motifs similar
known for his experience in psychopharmacology and mood diseases, with a particular
of psychiatric diseases and has a productive publication history. Dr. Nemeroff's work
and treatments for mood diseases. Throughout his career, he has held academic
positions at several universities and has entered recognition and awards for his
significant contributions to the field of psychiatry. Their proficiency and knowledge in the
field of research and psychiatry proves their credibility to provide verifiable facts,
concise overview of the main points covered in each section. The topics related to the
genetic risk factors, gender differences, early developmental factors, and the influence
the key findings and implications of each topic, leading to a thorough understanding of
the neurobiological aspects of PTSD. The study aimed to investigate and understand
the neurobiological factors and mechanisms involved in PTSD, with the intention of
gaining insights into the origins of neurobiological abnormalities, identifying risk and
Critique
One area where the article could be improved is in providing more robust
citations for the statistics it presents regarding the prevalence of PTSD and gender
these claims would enhance the reliability and credibility of the information presented.
reports, the article can provide a solid foundation for its claims and contribute to the
estimating PTSD prevalence rates and the potential impact of cultural and societal
factors on reporting and diagnosis would provide a more comprehensive understanding
In the study of Agaibi, C. E., & Wilson, J. A. (2019), utilizing recent articles allows
for a broader exploration of the latest risk and resilience factors associated with PTSD.
The field of trauma research is evolving rapidly, and new insights are continuously being
uncovered. Recent articles may delve deeper into topics such as the impact of specific
types of trauma, the role of genetic and epigenetic factors, and the influence of social
and environmental variables on the development and course of PTSD. These recent
studies can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex
in their nature, intensity, duration, and context, and these variations can have significant
disasters, the article can shed light on the different pathways that can lead to the
manifestation of PTSD symptoms and the potential factors that contribute to its
exposure to multiple and chronic traumatic events, would provide additional insights into
the complexities of PTSD development and its impact on individuals. (Sherin and
Nemeroff, 2011).
would contribute to a more thorough analysis. The article could examine the intricate
hormones, and brain circuitry, in modulating stress responses and emotional reactivity in
individuals with PTSD. Furthermore, the article could explore the impact of chronic
While the article briefly mentions developmental trauma as a risk factor for
adverse experiences that occur during critical periods of brain development, such as
and vulnerabilities associated with early life trauma, the article can provide insights into
the specific risk factors that contribute to the development of PTSD in this population.
would broaden the scope of the analysis (Sakellariou & Stefanatou, 2017b).
Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, and it plays a
resilience would enrich the analysis. The article could delve into protective factors such
as social support, positive coping strategies, self-efficacy, cultural factors, and cognitive
flexibility, which have been shown to promote resilience in the face of trauma. By
examining the protective factors that contribute to resilience, the article can highlight the
the risk of developing PTSD. Moreover, exploring the potential role of resilience-focused
interventions and the mechanisms through which resilience can be enhanced would
provide practical insights for clinical practice and public health initiatives (Christiansen
Moreover, the article would benefit from a more critical analysis. Engaging with
alternative theories, conflicting evidence, and gaps in knowledge within the field of
PTSD research would provide a more balanced and objective perspective. PTSD is a
complex disorder with multifaceted etiology and diverse clinical presentations, and there
are still many unanswered questions and ongoing debates in the field. By
acknowledging the limitations of current research and exploring areas of uncertainty, the
article can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of PTSD. Additionally,
the allostatic load framework, or the interaction between genetic and environmental
factors, can stimulate further discussion and research in the field, leading to new
Lastly, although the article raises questions about the potential application of
approaches, and their integration with neurobiological research would increase the
strategies, the article can provide valuable insights into the translation of research
findings into clinical practice. This would not only enhance the practical relevance of the
discussion but also facilitate the dissemination of knowledge to clinicians and promote
the use of effective interventions for individuals with PTSD Toloza et al. (2020).
Overall, this critique outlined several areas where the article on PTSD could be
applications for treatment would enhance the overall quality and depth of the article. By
addressing these areas, the article can provide a more comprehensive and
advance our knowledge of PTSD and improve clinical interventions for individuals
Conclusion
identifying risk and resilience factors, elucidating the underlying processes and
can serve as a guide for future studies on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It
critically evaluate and customize the recommendations to align with their research
Recommendation:
and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), into their practice. These
advocate for the implementation of routine screening for trauma exposure and PTSD
symptoms in healthcare settings. Early identification and intervention can prevent the
the heterogeneity of PTSD and identifying predictors of treatment response can lead to
resilience and recovery. Research should examine the interplay between biological,
the disorder.
Foster a supportive and safe environment: Parents and caregivers should create a
supportive and safe environment for individuals, especially children and adolescents,
who have experienced trauma. This involves promoting open communication, providing
Educate themselves about trauma and its effects: Parents and caregivers should
educate themselves about the effects of trauma and PTSD symptoms. Understanding
the behavioral and emotional manifestations of PTSD can help them provide
Seek professional help: Individuals who have experienced trauma and suspect they
may have PTSD should seek professional help from mental health practitioners.
Practice self-care and stress management: Individuals with PTSD should prioritize
strategies and engage in activities that bring joy and a sense of fulfillment.
Connect with support networks: Joining support groups or engaging in peer support can
be beneficial for individuals with PTSD. Interacting with others who have similar
strategies.
enhance their treatment approaches, researchers can expand our knowledge of PTSD,
parents, and caregivers can create a supportive environment, and individuals with lived
experiences can take steps towards healing and recovery. It is through collaborative
efforts across these different stakeholder groups that we can improve the lives of
individuals affected by PTSD and work towards reducing the burden of this complex
disorder.
REFERENCES
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https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838005277438
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