My Account

NRNP 6645 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

NRNP 6645 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health problem diagnosed in individuals with direct or indirect traumatic experiences. PTSD affects the patient’s health, well-being, and functioning. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are effective for PTSD. Therefore, this essay examines the neurobiological basis of PTSD, its diagnostic criteria, and a psychotherapy treatment that can be applied to Joe’s case study.

Don't use plagiarized sources. Get Your Custom Essay on
NRNP 6645 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Just from $7/Page
Order Essay

Neurobiological Basis of PTSD

PSTSD has a neurobiological basis. Firstly, neuro-imaging studies have revealed that patients with PTSD have changes in their brain circuitry. They have altered amygdala and hippocampus regions and cortical regions that include insula, anterior cingulate, and orbitofrontal regions. The alterations in these brain regions affect the patient’s adaptation and response to stress and fear-related conditions. For example, there is a reduction in the hippocampal volume in PTSD patients, which affects stress response, fear-related contextual aspects, and declarative memory functioning (Assogna et al., 2020; Dunkley et al., 2020). PTSD patients also have a hyper-responsive amygdala, which increases sensitivity to traumatic memories and cues among these patients.

Biomarkers also play a role in the development of PTSD. They include altered serotonin, catecholamine, peptide, opioid, and amino acid neurotransmitter regulation. Patients with PTSD have altered metabolism and release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which play a crucial role in fear and stress responses. An imbalance in serotonin levels affects the modulation of stress and affective responses, hence, the development of PTSD. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) axis have also been shown to play a role in the development of PTSD. The HPA axis coordinates human stress response systems. Exposure to stressors lowers cortisol production and concentrations. This reduction results in elevated negative feedback sensitivity in the HPA axis, as seen among patients with PTSD (Abdallah et al., 2019). There is also the subsequent reduction in the hippocampal volume, which worsens HPA axis dysfunction, hence, PTSD symptoms.

DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD

The DSM-5-TR has developed criteria for diagnosing patients with PTSD. According to it, patients should have a history of either direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event. Patients should also report at least one of the intrusive symptoms that include recurrent, distressing memories about the trauma, recurrent nightmares with the context of the trauma, dissociative reactions, intense distress when exposed to cues related to the trauma, and significant physiological reactions to the cues that resemble the trauma (Assogna et al., 2020).

Patients should also demonstrate persistent avoidance of the stimuli, negative cognition and mood alteration, alterations in reactivity and arousal associated with the trauma, and symptoms causing significant distress or impaired social, academic, or social functioning. The symptoms are not due to physiological effects of medications, medical conditions, or substance use or abuse. Joe meets the criteria for PTSD as seen from his direct experience with a traumatic event, disturbed academic performance, irritability, sleep disturbance, and negative alterations in his cognition and emotions (Dunkley et al., 2020). I agree with the other diagnoses, as comorbid conditions. This is because PTSD can co-exist with other mental health problems such as oppositional defiant disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder (Dr. Todd Grande, 2019).

One Other Psychotherapy Treatment

Joe can be treated with cognitive processing therapy (CPT) besides trauma-focused cognitive therapy. CPT is a therapy with its foundations in the social-cognitive and informed emotional processing theory. CPT assumes that patients who experience traumatic events aim to make sense of their experience, which leads to distorted cognitions about themselves, others, and their worlds. Patients recover from their experiences by trying to accommodate, assimilate, or over-accommodate the new information with their previous schemas. CPT helps in the recovery process by shifting the patients’ beliefs towards accommodation. CPT is not a gold standard treatment for PTSD (Resick et al., 2021). Using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners since they promote safety, quality, and efficiency in the treatment of mental health problems. Sertraline is an example of a drug used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Schnurr et al., 2022). It increases serotonin levels in the brain, which improves mood.

Conclusion

In summary, PTSD has a neurobiological basis. Joe’s symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. CPT is a psychotherapeutic intervention that can be adopted for Joe’s treatment. The gold standard, evidence-based treatments optimize patient outcomes in the treatment of PTSD.

 

 

References

Abdallah, C. G., Averill, L. A., Akiki, T. J., Raza, M., Averill, C. L., Gomaa, H., Adikey, A., & Krystal, J. H. (2019). The Neurobiology and Pharmacotherapy of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 59(1), 171–189. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021701

Assogna, F., Piras, F., & Spalletta, G. (2020). Neurobiological Basis of Childhood Trauma and the Risk for Neurological Deficits Later in Life. In G. Spalletta, D. Janiri, F. Piras, & G. Sani (Eds.), Childhood Trauma in Mental Disorders: A Comprehensive Approach (pp. 385–410). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49414-8_18

Dr. Todd Grande (Director). (2019, August 22). Presentation Example: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkSv_zPH-M4

Dunkley, B. T., Jetly, R., Pang, E. W., & Taylor, M. J. (2020). New perspectives on the neurobiology of PTSD: High-resolution imaging of neural circuit (dys)function with magnetoencephalography. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 6(S1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.2019-0029

Resick, P. A., Wachen, J. S., Dondanville, K. A., LoSavio, S. T., Young-McCaughan, S., Yarvis, J. S., Pruiksma, K. E., Blankenship, A., Jacoby, V., Peterson, A. L., & Mintz, J. (2021). Variable-length Cognitive Processing Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in active duty military: Outcomes and predictors. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 141, 103846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103846

Schnurr, P. P., Chard, K. M., Ruzek, J. I., Chow, B. K., Resick, P. A., Foa, E. B., Marx, B. P., Friedman, M. J., Bovin, M. J., Caudle, K. L., Castillo, D., Curry, K. T., Hollifield, M., Huang, G. D., Chee, C. L., Astin, M. C., Dickstein, B., Renner, K., Clancy, C. P., … Shih, M.-C. (2022). Comparison of Prolonged Exposure vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among US Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2136921. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36921

CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

It is estimated that more almost 7% of the U.S. population will experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). This debilitating disorder often interferes with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Common symptoms of anxiousness and depression frequently lead to behavioral issues, adolescent substance abuse issues, and even physical ailments. For this Assignment, you examine a PTSD video case study and consider how you might assess and treat clients presenting with PTSD.

Resources

 

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

 

Learning Resources

Required Readings

  • Download Preclinical perspectives on posttraumatic stress disorder criteria in DSM-5. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 23(1), 51–58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4542003/
    Credit: Preclinical Perspectives on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Criteria in DSM-5 by Susannah Tye, PhD, Elizabeth Van Voorhees, PhD, Chunling Hu, MD, PhD, and Timothy Lineberry, MD, in HARVARD REVIEW OF PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 23/Issue 1. Copyright 2015 by ROUTLEDGE. Reprinted by permission of ROUTLEDGE via the Copyright Clearance Center.
  • Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
    • Chapter 3, “Assessment and Diagnosis” (Previously read in Week 2)
    • Chapter 7, “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy”
    • Chapter 11, “Trauma Resiliency Model Therapy”
    • Chapter 15, “Trauma-Informed Medication Management”
    • Chapter 17, “Stabilization for Trauma and Dissociation”
    • Chapter 18, “Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Complex Trauma”

Required Media

To prepare:

  • Review this week’s Learning Resources and reflect on the insights they provide about diagnosing and treating PTSD.
  • View the media Presentation Example: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and assess the client in the case study.
  • For guidance on assessing the client, refer to Chapter 3 of the Wheeler text.

Note: To complete this Assignment, you must assess the client, but you are not required to submit a formal comprehensive client assessment.

 

The Assignment

Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the following:

  • 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.

By Day 7

Submit your Assignment. Also attach and submit PDFs of the sources you used.

submission information

Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.

  1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK9Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
  2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
  3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.

Rubric

NRNP_6645_Week9_Assignment_Rubric

NRNP_6645_Week9_Assignment_Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the following:• Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.
15 to >13.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

The response includes an accurate and concise explanation of the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.

 13 to >11.0 ptsGood 80%–89%

The response includes an accurate explanation of the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.

 11 to >10.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

The response includes a somewhat vague or inaccurate explanation of the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.

 10 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

The response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness. Or, response is missing.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome • 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?
25 to >22.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

The response includes an accurate and concise description of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and an accurate explanation of how they relate to the symptomology presented in the case study…. The response includes a concise explanation of whether the case provides sufficient information to derive the PTSD and other diagnoses. Justification demonstrates strong diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking skills.

 22 to >19.0 ptsGood 80%–89%

The response includes an accurate description of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and an adequate explanation of how they relate to the symptomology presented in the case study…. The response includes an explanation of whether the case provides sufficient information to derive the PTSD and other diagnoses. Justification demonstrates adequate diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking skills.

 19 to >17.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

The response includes a somewhat vague or inaccurate description of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and a somewhat vague or inaccurate explanation of how they relate to the symptomology presented in the case study…. The response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of whether the case provides sufficient information to derive the PTSD and other diagnoses. Justification demonstrates somewhat inadequate diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking skills.

 17 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

The response includes a vague or inaccurate description of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and a vague or inaccurate explanation of how they relate to the symptomology presented in the case study. Or, response is missing…. The response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of whether the case provides sufficient information to derive the PTSD and other diagnoses. Justification demonstrates poor diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking skills. Or, response is missing.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome • 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.
30 to >26.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

The response includes an accurate and concise explanation of one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study…. The response clearly and concisely explains whether the recommended treatment option is a “gold standard” treatment and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for PMHNPs.

 26 to >23.0 ptsGood 80%–89%

The response includes an accurate explanation of one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study…. The response adequately explains whether the recommended treatment option is a “gold standard” treatment and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for PMHNPs.

 23 to >20.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

The response includes a somewhat vague or incomplete explanation of one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study…. The response provides a somewhat vague or incomplete explanation of whether the recommended treatment option is a “gold standard” treatment and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for PMHNPs.

 20 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study, or the treatment option is innappropriate. Or, response is missing…. The response provides a vague or incomplete explanation of whether the recommended treatment option is a “gold standard” treatment and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for PMHNPs. Or, response is missing.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome ·   Support your approach with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. PDFs are attached.
15 to >13.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

The response is supported by specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature that provide strong support for the rationale provided. PDFs are attached.

 13 to >11.0 ptsGood 80%–89%

The response is supported by examples from this week’s media and three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature that provide appropriate support for the rationale provided. PDFs are attached.

 11 to >10.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

The response is supported by examples from this week’s media and two or three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature. Examples and resources selected may provide only weak support for the rationale provided. PDFs may not be attached.

 10 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

The response is supported by vague or inaccurate examples from the week’s media and/or evidence from the literature, or is missing.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria.
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity…. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineates all required criteria.

 4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive.

 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic.

 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time…. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

 4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%

Contains 1 or 2 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

Contains 3 or 4 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%

Uses correct APA format with no errors.

 4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%

Contains 1 or 2 APA format errors.

 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%

Contains 3 or 4 APA format errors.

 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%

Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
5 pts
Total Points: 100

 



		


		
		
		
		
	


	
		
			


	


	


	

		

			
			
				
Good News ! We now help with PROCTORED EXAMS. Chat with a support agent for more information

			


			
			

				
				CHAT US NOW				
			
 
		

	


						X		
		

	

	







	

		

											
Open chat

						
				
				
			
										

			

			

									Dr.Nursingpapers
								

			

			

				

					
Hello
Can we help you?