Imagine The Survivors Of A Home Invasion Feelings Of Terror

Imagine The Survivors Of A Home Invasion Feelings Of Terror And Helpl

Imagine the survivors of a home invasion. Feelings of terror and helplessness that shake the very foundation of personal security are the result when strangers enter the home with the intent and will to do harm. Some survivors may resolve these immediate feelings of helplessness by acquiring a handgun, pepper spray, or watchdogs, or by taking self-defense courses. During, or for a short time immediately following the invasion, some people may experience the onset of acute stress disorder (ASD) exhibited in racing hearts, bouts of insomnia, and feelings of panic at the sound of footsteps approaching the front door. Others may be so traumatized that they never look at their home in the same way or feel as safe no matter how many locks are on the doors or how state-of-the-art their alarm system may be.

When the latter individuals experience a delayed onset of physiological response to trauma that is persistent over the long term, their condition is described as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This tragic scenario is just one example of a traumatic event that could lead to severe but short-lived stress or a prolonged stress response that disrupts the lives of the survivors long after the event is over. For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources including the “Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” handout. Reflect on the similarities and differences between ASD and PTSD. Then consider that you have been asked to prepare a pre-deployment PTSD prevention workshop for military health service workers.

Consider intervention techniques you might recommend to prevent the development of PTSD in this population. With these thoughts in mind: Post by Day 4 a brief comparison of similarities and differences between acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Then explain two potential PTSD symptoms that could develop for a military health service worker. Finally, describe two intervention techniques you might recommend to prevent PTSD and explain why each might be effective. Be specific. Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Paper For Above instruction

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are both trauma-related conditions that can significantly impair an individual's functioning, yet they differ primarily in their onset, duration, and diagnostic criteria. ASD typically occurs in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, usually within the first month, and is characterized by symptoms such as dissociation, intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These symptoms mirror those of PTSD but are more transient, often resolving within a month if adequate coping mechanisms are employed. Conversely, PTSD symptoms may develop immediately or with a delayed onset, persisting beyond one month and potentially lasting a lifetime if untreated. The hallmark of PTSD includes re-experiencing trauma through intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal, such as heightened startle responses (Brewin et al., 2014). Both conditions stem from exposure to traumatic events but differ in their temporal progression and severity.

For military health service workers, exposure to traumatic incidents such as injuries, fatalities, or combat situations can invoke symptoms of PTSD. Two potential symptoms that might develop include hyperarousal and emotional numbing. Hyperarousal manifests as difficulty sleeping, irritability, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response, which can impair work performance and personal relationships (Hoge et al., 2004). Emotional numbing refers to a diminished ability to feel positive emotions or connect emotionally with others, leading to social withdrawal and detachment, which can hinder effective caregiving and team cohesion in military healthcare settings (Freedman et al., 2018).

To prevent PTSD in military health service workers, early intervention techniques should be prioritized. One effective approach is Psychological First Aid (PFA), which provides immediate support by promoting safety, calming distressed individuals, and establishing a sense of hope while offering practical support (Everly & Lating, 2017). PFA can mitigate acute stress reactions and prevent progression to chronic conditions by reducing feelings of helplessness and providing reassurance. Another intervention is resilience training, which focuses on enhancing coping skills, emotional regulation, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises (Sareen et al., 2013). Resilience training equips individuals with tools to manage stress effectively, reducing the risk of developing PTSD symptoms following traumatic exposure. Both interventions are effective because they target early reactions to trauma, foster adaptive coping mechanisms, and promote psychological well-being, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of chronic PTSD development.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Brewin, C. R., et al. (2014). PTSD: Diagnosis and Management. BMJ, 349, g4688.
• Everly, G. S., & Lating, J. M. (2017). The short-term effects of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in trauma survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(2), 183-192.
• Freedman, S. A., et al. (2018). Emotional numbing in PTSD: Impaired emotional processing in combat veterans. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 99-106.
• Hoge, C. W., et al. (2004). Combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health problems, and barriers to care. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(1), 13-22.
• Sareen, J., et al. (2013). Resilience and mental health in military personnel: A review. Psychiatry Research, 210(2), 356-362.