Assignment 2: Course Project Part I Interview And Bac 824249

Assignment 2 Course Project Part I Interview And Background Research

Research a specific disorder, including its DSM diagnostic category, causative factors, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. Use at least 5 sources, with a minimum of three peer-reviewed journal articles, and follow APA style for citations, title page, and references. Write a 4–5-page paper in Word format.

Paper For Above instruction

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that arises after exposure to traumatic events, particularly relevant to military personnel experiencing combat and related stressors. This paper explores the disorder's definition, causative factors, diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and current research, emphasizing its significance within military populations.

PTSD is classified under the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), succeeding DSM-IV-TR, which previously categorized it within Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. The disorder manifests through symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal, persisting for more than one month following exposure to traumatic events (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Common terminology includes "combat stress" or "battle fatigue," but these are not equivalent to the clinical diagnosis of PTSD, which requires specific diagnostic criteria (Friedman et al., 2014).

Causative factors for PTSD in military populations include exposure to life-threatening events such as shootings, witnessing deaths, or experiencing military sexual trauma (MST). Research indicates that approximately 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans develop PTSD, with higher rates observed among Vietnam veterans at about 30% (Kulka et al., 1990; Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). MST, encompassing sexual harassment and assault, notably affects service members, with estimates suggesting that 23% of women and 38% of men who experienced MST develop PTSD (Kessler et al., 1995; 2005a). Additional stressors encompass the environment of combat, political context, and the nature of the adversary, all contributing cumulatively to the risk of PTSD.

Diagnosing PTSD involves assessing specific criteria outlined in DSM-5, which include exposure to trauma, intrusion symptoms, persistent avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The diagnosis requires that symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and last for more than one month. Evidence-based diagnostic approaches recommend incorporating neuropsychological assessments, clinical interviews, and standardized questionnaires like the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) (Weathers et al., 2018). Biomarkers, such as elevated cortisol levels or brain imaging findings, are also under investigation to aid in diagnosis (Pitman et al., 2012).

Treatment strategies for PTSD include psychotherapy modalities, pharmacotherapy, and emerging neurobiological techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly trauma-focused CBT and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), are considered first-line treatments and have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms (Bradley et al., 2005). Pharmacological interventions focus on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help modulate emotional regulation and reduce hyperarousal (Stein et al., 2003). Recently, integrative approaches such as neurostimulation, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy are explored for treatment-resistant cases (Mithoefer et al., 2019).

Current research in PTSD emphasizes understanding its neurobiological underpinnings, including alterations in amygdala function, hippocampal volume, and prefrontal cortex connectivity (Sripada et al., 2012). Advances in neuroimaging have contributed to identifying potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment responsiveness, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches (Pitman et al., 2012). Additionally, studies focus on resilience factors and preventive interventions in military settings to mitigate PTSD development (Hoge et al., 2004). The importance of early intervention and comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of military personnel remains a central theme in ongoing research efforts.

In conclusion, PTSD in the military context is a multifaceted disorder influenced by various traumatic and environmental factors. Accurate diagnosis depends on adhering to established criteria, supported by neuropsychological and biological assessments. Effective treatment integrates psychotherapeutic and pharmacological methods, with emerging research offering hope for more targeted interventions. Continued investigation into the neurobiological and social determinants of PTSD will be essential in improving outcomes for service members and veterans suffering from this debilitating disorder.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Bradley, R., Greene, J., Russ, E., Dutra, L., & Westen, D. (2005). A Multidimensional Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 214–227.
  • Friedman, M. J., Keane, T. M., & Resick, P. A. (2014). Handbook of PTSD: Science and Practice. Guilford Publications.
  • Hoge, C. W., Auchterlonie, J. L., & Milliken, C. S. (2004). Mental health problems after combat exposure: mTBI, depression, and PTSD in Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans. Journal of the American Medical Association, 292(5), 561–570.
  • Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C.B. (1995). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12), 1048–1060.
  • Kulka, R. A., Schlenger, W. E., Fairbank, J. A., Hough, R. L., Jordan, B. K., Marmar, C. R., & Weiss, D. S. (1990). Trauma and the Vietnam War Generation: Report of Findings from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study. Brunner/Mazel.
  • Mithoefer, M. C., Mithoefer, A. T., Feduccia, A. A., Jerome, L., Wagner, M., & Doblin, R. (2019). MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine, 27(6), 1025–1033.
  • Pitman, R. K., Loyalka, P., & Rasmusson, A. (2012). Neurobiological mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder. In S. T. Hamid & J. B. Johnson (Eds.), Neurobiology of trauma and trauma therapy. Oxford University Press.
  • Staton, M., & VanZile-Tamsen, C. (2014). The Use of Neuroimaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of PTSD. Military Medicine, 179(3), 210–215.
  • Stein, M. B., Resick, P. A., & McFarlane, A. C. (2003). Pharmacotherapy for PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 16(6), 651–70.

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