Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined by ICD-10 F43.1 as follows: It arises as a delayed or protracted response to a stressful event or situation of shorter or longer duration, of extraordinary threat or catastrophic magnitude, that would cause profound distress in almost anyone. Predisposing factors such as certain obsessive-compulsive or asthenic personality traits or … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Classification
Therapy target Relief of symptoms or freedom from symptoms Therapy recommendations Note: The S3 guideline emphasizes that psychotropic drugs should not be used alone or as primary therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)! Possible psychotropic drug therapy for chronic PTSD: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (1st-line agent). Paroxetine (Germany); paroxetine and sertraline (United States). Selective … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Drug Therapy
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Main symptoms Intrusions (intrusive thoughts and ideas shooting into consciousness). Avoidance behaviors Hyperarousal (usually occurring under stress). Associated symptoms Dissociative symptoms (different personality states (dissociative identities) take turns controlling a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions) (Partial) amnesias Emotional compartmentalization with restricted range of affect … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of the disease) The basic prerequisite for the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the presence of a trauma/stress that is objectively considered life-threatening and subjectively causes fear, helplessness, and horror. Studies show that reduced hippocampal volume and polymorphisms of receptors or neurotransmitter transporters influence responses. In addition, there is a disturbance … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Causes
General measures Early intervention Observance of all general measures under “Insomnia (Sleep Disorders)/Other Therapy/General Measures.” Monitoring of the patient; in case of acute suicidality (suicide risk): hospitalization. Sports medicine Endurance training (cardio training). Preparation of a fitness or training plan with suitable sports disciplines based on a medical check (health check or athlete check). Detailed … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Therapy
Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Affective disorders Acute stress reaction: symptomatology lasts less than one month (DSM criterion). Adjustment disorder: Trauma is less severe; symptoms are usually weaker or not fully presentNote: A-criterion of PTSD is not met (see below “Symptoms – complaints”). 2. A-criterion of PTSD is met, but it does not show … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the major conditions or complications that may be contributed to by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Factors that influence health status and lead to health care utilization (Z00-Z99). Suicide (suicide) Skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Psoriasis (psoriasis) Circulatory system (I00-I99) Angina pectoris (“chest tightness”; sudden onset of pain in the heart area). Apoplexy … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Complications
The medical history (history of illness) is an important component in the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family history What is the general health of your family members? Social history What is your profession? Are you unemployed? Do you plan to retire early? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to … Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Medical History
