General Information On Posttraumatic Stress 1. Posttraumatic stress, characterized by terror and helplessness, first became recognized as a formal diagnosis/disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in: Long ago, in 1914. Relatively recently, in 1980. In 1975. 2. The first therapists, like Kardiner, who studied PTSD in the first World War, found the strongest protection against terror and helplessness was: Personal hardiness and optimism Self-esteem and differentiation Religious belief The degree of relatedness: the bond between fighting men 3. The main symptoms of PTSD, which has been called an anxiety disorder, and a disorder of dissociation, are: Intrusive reexperiencing: flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and emotional responses. Numbing and avoidance: detachment, restricted affect. Hyperarousal: irritability, hypervigilance, sleep disorders. Negative sense of self-shame. Inability to regulate anger and anxiety. Somatization and sexual dysfunction. Loss of schemas about the meaning of life, hope for the future. 4. The symptom listed above that is the most difficult to treat AND best predicts distress in survivors’ relationships and is associated with major depression is: 5. Traumas that appear to lead to Complex PTSD with many debilitating symptoms are usually: The result of natural disasters where death was imminent. The result of early childhood traumas. The result of abuse inflicted by attachment figures: violations of human connection. 6. There is general agreement that recovery from trauma involves: The creation of a clear integrated narrative of trauma and its consequences. A coherent sense of meaning is formulated. The tolerance, regulation, and integration of emotion. An exit from shame and self-blame into respect for the self. A corrective experience of relatedness, the ability to trust others and feel supported and connected. 7. A more secure attachment will logically impact the effects of chronic fear and traumatic stress in the following ways: Promotes cognitive insight into the unreasonable nature of stress reactions. Offers a safe haven—a sanctuary—that soothes and comforts, tranquilizes the nervous system Promotes affect regulation and integration. Promotes respect for, confidence in, and integration of self. Offers an antidote for isolation and helplessness. Promotes trust in and attunement to others Promotes the processing and integration of trauma cues/responses through confidence and support. Time's up
