Vignette Analysis I: Psychology Of Trauma

VIGNETTE ANALYSIS I 6 Psychology of Trauma-Vignette Analysis I

The present post-traumatic stress diagnostic is applying to one event which lasts for a short duration, nevertheless, there is an increase in the number of professionals who are pushing for a new diagnosis in describing the long-lasting psychological events after the long-term trauma. Even though it is an unofficial diagnosis in the DSM-5, the complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) affects people who have undergone chronic unpreventable traumas, making it slightly possible to control over the ongoing months or years (Jonathan, Sarah, Catrin, & Neil, 2015).

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often struggle with intense and recurrent symptoms of anxiety. These symptoms often lead them to rely on maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, which can exacerbate their condition and increase the risk of physical health issues, including cancers (Abigail et al., 2017). Anxiety stemming from PTSD can manifest physically, presenting as rapid heartbeat, shakiness, and hypervigilance. Other related disorders include phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, panic disorder, and selective mutism (Abigail et al., 2017).

Furthermore, depression is a common comorbid condition with PTSD, characterized by persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, weight changes, sleep disturbances, feelings of worthlessness, poor concentration, and suicidal ideation (Abigail et al., 2017). Depression often worsens PTSD symptoms, impairing the healing process and leading to social withdrawal, emotional numbness, and prolonged sadness. These overlapping conditions create a complex clinical picture that requires comprehensive intervention.

Similarly, anger and irritability are prevalent in PTSD populations. These individuals often develop anger responses as a maladaptive attempt to cope with stress, providing perceived emotional energy to face ongoing adversity (Jonathan et al., 2015). Although anger can serve an immediate survival function, it frequently results in interpersonal problems, outbursts, and difficulty maintaining relationships, which can perpetuate the cycle of trauma and emotional dysregulation.

Paper For Above instruction

The vignette analysis centers on Roni, who demonstrates classic post-traumatic responses including anxiety, depression, and anger. Her experience of being stalked and fearing harm to her child exemplifies trauma-induced fears. Roni’s depression manifests through pervasive negative thoughts about her safety and her child's wellbeing. Her emotional responses are heightened by traumatic memories that re-emerge through distressing flashbacks and hyperarousal, impairing her daily functioning.

Trauma-related psychological disturbances are multifaceted, involving psychological, biological, and somatic components. Roni’s case reflects the trauma's impact on her sense of safety, trust, and self-identity. Her severe anxiety and depression diminish her quality of life, illustrating the necessity for integrated, phase-based approaches that address both psychological and somatic dysregulation (Grupta, 2013). The phase-based model encourages stabilization before trauma processing, focusing on managing symptoms such as dissociation, emotional dysregulation, and biological arousal.

Somatic symptoms, such as fatigue and tension, are common in PTSD and result from persistent hyperarousal, which dysregulates biological systems (Jonathan et al., 2015). Roni’s tense demeanor and fleeting memories of her traumatic exposure exemplify somatic hyperactivation. The physical responses—such as hypervigilance and feelings of insecurity—mirror the ongoing biological stress that reinforces her psychological distress. Implementing somatic experiencing therapy could aid Roni in managing these somatic issues by helping her become aware of bodily sensations and processes, thereby promoting relaxation and emotional regulation (Grupta, 2013).

Trauma often leads to emotional dysregulation, marked by difficulties in controlling emotional responses, especially to perceived threats or abandonment. In Roni’s case, her excessive fear of abandonment and mistrust of her neighbors stem from her traumatic history, devastating her capacity to form trusting relationships. Emotional dysregulation impairs her ability to modulate anger or fear, leading to outbursts and social withdrawal, which further entrench her trauma (Abigail et al., 2017).

Therapeutic interventions should focus on enhancing emotional regulation through skills training, mindfulness, and psychoeducation. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is effective in teaching clients to tolerate distress and regulate emotions, reducing impulsivity and anger outbursts (Courtois & Ford, 2015). Additionally, mentalization-based therapy can improve Roni’s capacity to understand her own and others’ mental states, fostering trust and emotional stability.

Addressing Roni’s loss of self-integrity is vital. Her sense of being damaged or permanently changed reflects a diminished self-concept influenced by trauma. Such loss undermines her belief in her safety, trustworthiness of others, and personal identity. Restoring her self-worth requires trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral interventions that reframe maladaptive beliefs and reinforce her resilience and agency (Roberts et al., 2016). Psychoeducation about trauma responses and normalizing her feelings can empower her to regain a sense of control and restore her sense of self-integrity.

The therapeutic relationship and safety are foundational to effective trauma treatment. Establishing trust, providing consistent support, and ensuring Roni’s physical and emotional safety are paramount. Psychoeducation about PTSD and trauma responses helps normalize her reactions, reducing shame and guilt (Courtois & Ford, 2015). Engaging her actively in therapy, with collaborative goal-setting, fosters empowerment and resilience.

Trauma-focused therapies such as prolonged exposure (PE), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have proven efficacy. These approaches involve gradually confronting traumatic memories within a safe environment, facilitating habituation and cognitive restructuring (Roberts et al., 2016). Combining these therapies with somatic and emotion regulation strategies offers a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex layers of trauma pathology.

In educating Roni, it is crucial to equip her with skills to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional upheavals, thus promoting recovery. Psychoeducation can include teaching grounding techniques, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness-based interventions. Additionally, neurofeedback has shown promise in helping regulate hyperarousal states associated with PTSD, thus improving emotional regulation and sleep (Grupta, 2013).

In summary, Roni’s case illustrates the intertwined nature of emotional, somatic, and self-identity disturbances following trauma. A phased, multi-modal treatment emphasizing safety, psychoeducation, emotional regulation, and trauma processing is essential for her recovery. Restoring her sense of trust, safety, and self-integrity will facilitate a meaningful healing process and improve her overall functioning.

References

• Abigail, P., Negar, F., Sierra, C., Dorthie, C., Marylene, C., & Bekh, B. (2017). Differential predictors of DSM-5 PTSD and ICD-11 complex PTSD among African American women. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 8(1).
• Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (2015). Treatment of complex trauma: A sequenced, relationship-based approach. The Guildford Press.
• Grupta, M. (2013). Review of somatic symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder. International Review of Psychiatry, 25, 86-99.
• Jonathan, I. B., Sarah, C., Catrin, L., & Neil, P. R. (2015). Post-traumatic stress disorder. BMJ, 351.
• Roberts, N. P., Roberts, P. A., Jones, N., & Bisson, J. I. (2016). Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid substance use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), 1-125.
• Sidney, S., & Jon, R. (2014). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
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• Zhao, X., & Zhang, L. (2019). Neurofeedback interventions for PTSD: A systematic review. NeuroRegulation, 6(3), 167-176.
• World Health Organization. (2018). ICD-11: International classification of diseases. WHO Press.