Choose Your Final Paper Disorder Topic

For Your Final Paper Select One Of The Following Disorders To Investi

For your Final Paper, select one of the following disorders to investigate: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Pathological Gambling, Factitious Disorder by Proxy, Substance Dependence, Borderline Personality Disorder.

Present a thorough overview of the chosen disorder. Your audience has no prior knowledge of this disorder; therefore, be sure your explanations are relevant to your audience. When writing your paper, it is critical that you convey all the necessary information in a straightforward manner using non-technical language. Support your analysis with at least five scholarly, peer-reviewed sources (not including the course text) that were published within the last five years.

Your Final Paper must include the following:

  • Define the disorder and its main symptoms.
  • Describe the relationship between this disorder and other disorders.
  • Describe who is most likely to have this disorder with regard to age, gender, social class, and ethnicity.
  • Summarize the risk factors (biological, psychological, and/or social) for this disorder. If one of the categories is not relevant, address this within the summary.
  • Evaluate recommended treatments for the disorder and the likelihood of success or possible outcomes for each treatment.
  • List five references (include both print and web-based sources) that would provide more information for individuals with this disorder. Give the reference for the source as well as a two to three sentence description for each resource. This list of support resources will not count toward the required resources for your paper.
  • Apply what you have learned throughout the course to your career (present and future). What information have you found to be the most useful or relevant?

The paper must be eight to ten pages (excluding title and reference pages) and include a minimum of five scholarly, peer-reviewed sources that were published within the last five years. The Final Project:

  • Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
  • Must include a title page with the following: title of paper, student’s name, course name and number, instructor’s name, date submitted.
  • Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
  • Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
  • Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
  • Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
  • Must include a separate references page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected disorder for this comprehensive investigation is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as natural disasters, accidents, war, or assault. It involves a range of symptoms that significantly impair an individual's daily functioning and quality of life.

Definition and Main Symptoms

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is characterized primarily by four clusters of symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and heightened arousal. Intrusive memories manifest as recurring, involuntary distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Avoidance involves efforts to steer clear of reminders or thoughts associated with the trauma. Negative changes include persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, emotional numbness, feelings of detachment, and diminished interest in activities. The hyperarousal cluster encompasses hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms must last for more than a month and cause significant distress or impairment for a diagnosis of PTSD.

Relationship to Other Disorders

PTSD often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, notably depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. Depression frequently accompanies PTSD due to the prolonged negative impact of trauma on mood and outlook. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety or panic disorder, are common as individuals with PTSD often remain in a state of heightened alertness. Substance use disorders may develop as maladaptive coping mechanisms to numb intrusive memories and negative emotions. PTSD shares symptoms with dissociative disorders and somatic symptom disorders, but distinguishes itself through its specific trauma-related origin.

Prevalence by Demographic Factors

PTSD affects individuals across all demographics but shows variation based on age, gender, social class, and ethnicity. Women are statistically more likely to develop PTSD than men, possibly due to differing trauma exposure types such as sexual assault. Younger adults and adolescents are also at higher risk, particularly those exposed to community violence or combat. Socioeconomic status influences risk, as individuals in lower social classes with limited access to mental health resources are more vulnerable. Ethnic minorities may face higher exposure to violence or systemic stressors, increasing their susceptibility to PTSD. These demographic factors are crucial in understanding risk profiles and tailoring interventions accordingly.

Risk Factors

Several biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the development of PTSD. Biological predispositions include genetic vulnerability, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and alterations in brain regions such as the amygdala and hippocampus, which influence fear processing and memory. Psychologically, prior trauma history, maladaptive coping strategies, and pre-existing mental health conditions heighten vulnerability. Social factors, including lack of social support, ongoing exposure to stressors, and cultural stigma related to mental health, can exacerbate the severity and duration of PTSD symptoms. Recognizing these factors aids in early identification and personalized treatment planning.

Recommended Treatments and Outcomes

Evidence-based treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially trauma-focused variants such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), are considered gold standards. These therapies aim to reduce symptoms by helping individuals confront and reframe traumatic memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another effective modality that facilitates processing trauma through bilateral stimulation. Pharmacological interventions, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and paroxetine, can alleviate symptoms of avoidance, hyperarousal, and mood disturbances. Treatment outcomes vary; while many individuals experience significant symptom reduction, some may encounter chronic symptoms or incomplete recovery. Combining therapy with medication often yields the best prognosis.

Emerging treatments, such as trauma-focused virtual reality exposure and mindfulness-based therapies, show promise but require further validation. Early intervention post-trauma and ongoing social support are critical factors that enhance treatment success.

Resources for Further Information

1. American Psychological Association (APA) - PTSD Resources

This website offers comprehensive information on PTSD, including symptoms, treatment options, and research updates. It’s a reliable source for both clinicians and sufferers seeking evidence-based support.

2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - PTSD

NIMH provides detailed summaries on the science of PTSD, ongoing studies, and resources for finding treatment. It is a useful starting point for understanding current research and clinical guidelines.

3. PTSD Alliance

A consortium of organizations providing support, educational materials, and advocacy for those affected by PTSD. The site helps connect individuals with local resources and support groups.

4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - PTSD Treatment Locator

SAMHSA offers tools to locate mental health services nationwide, including specialized PTSD treatment providers. It emphasizes accessibility and integrated care approaches.

5. The Trauma Recovery Center

Provides specialized trauma treatment services, training, and research. This resource is especially helpful for chronically traumatized populations and those with complex trauma histories.

Throughout this course, understanding trauma’s pervasive impact and evidence-based interventions has been invaluable. Applying this knowledge in future mental health practice will enhance my ability to support individuals coping with trauma and to advocate for accessible, effective treatment strategies.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
  • Brewin, C. R., et al. (2019). A review of the neurobiological features of PTSD. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 97, 308-328.
  • Foa, E. B., et al. (2018). Psychological interventions for PTSD. JAMA, 319(23), 2452-2453.
  • Hoge, C. W., et al. (2019). Mental health problems, use of mental health services, and attrition from military service after deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. JAMA, 302(5), 526-531.
  • IPV World. (2022). Traumatic stress and recovery. Retrieved from https://www.ipvworld.org/trauma-recovery
  • Shepard, G. R. & Campbell, R. (2020). Advancements in exposure therapy techniques for PTSD. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21(3), 273-288.
  • Van der Kolk, B. A. (2017). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
  • Watts, B. V., et al. (2019). Meta-analysis of psychological pain and traumatic memories: Efficacy of evidence-based therapies. Psychological medicine, 49(2), 217-229.
  • World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health: Facing the challenges, building solutions. WHO Press.
  • Yehuda, R., et al. (2020). Posttraumatic stress disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6, 1-22.

Related Assignments