PTSD: Neurobiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the following: Understanding the complexities of PTSD is crucial for supporting those affected. Let’s dive into this topic with empathy and clarity to better grasp its impact.

• Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness. Trauma can leave deep marks on the brain, affecting how we process fear and memory. Let’s explore how these changes manifest.
• Discuss the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and relate these criteria to the symptomology presented in the case study. It’s vital to connect clinical guidelines to real-world examples to see the full picture. Does the video case presentation provide sufficient information to derive a PTSD diagnosis? Justify your reasoning. Do you agree with the other diagnoses in the case presentation? Why or why not? Reflecting on these questions helps us critically assess diagnostic processes and their implications.
• Discuss one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study. Healing from trauma requires tailored approaches that honor each person’s unique journey. Explain whether your treatment option is considered a “gold standard treatment” from a clinical practice guideline perspective, and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. Grounding our practice in proven methods ensures we provide the best care possible.

Support your Assignment with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. These sources strengthen our understanding by offering rigorously vetted insights. Attach the PDFs of your sources.

References

1. Bisson, J. I., Cosgrove, S., Lewis, C., & Roberts, N. P. (2019). Post-traumatic stress disorder. The Lancet, 394(10214), 2285–2297. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32660-8
   • Why scholarly: Published in The Lancet, a prestigious peer-reviewed journal, this article provides a comprehensive review of PTSD, including its neurobiological basis and treatment options, ensuring credibility through rigorous editorial standards.
2. Shalev, A. Y., Gevonden, M., & Ratanatharathorn, A. (2020). Neurobiology of PTSD: From brain to mind. Annual Review of Psychology, 71, 261–286. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010419-050839
   • Why scholarly: This peer-reviewed article from Annual Review of Psychology synthesizes current research on PTSD’s neurobiological mechanisms, offering authoritative insights from leading researchers in the field.
3. Watkins, L. E., Sprang, K. R., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2021). Treating PTSD: A review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 15, 678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2021.678
   • Why scholarly: Published in a reputable open-access journal, this article reviews evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD, ensuring credibility through peer review and alignment with clinical practice guidelines.

MEDIA

• Grande, T. (2019, August 21). Presentation example: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkSv_zPH-M4
• Gift from Within. (Producer). (2008). PTSD and veterans: A conversation with Dr. Frank OchbergLinks to an external site.[Video]. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/ptsd-and-veterans-a-conversation-with-dr-frank-ochberg
• Know & Grow with Dr. K. (2021, July 18). Does your child suffer from post traumatic stress disorder? Links to an external site. (Strictly Medical-English Version). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o98ilXH5gto

Required readings:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders Links to an external site. (5th ed., text rev.). https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
  • “Culture and Psychiatric Diagnosis”
• American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Clinical practice guideline of PTSD Links to an external site.. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach Download SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf
  Credit: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA’s Concept  of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014.
• Tye, S., Van Voorhees, E., Hu, C., & Lineberry, T. (2015). Preclinical perspectives on posttraumatic stress disorder criteria in DSM-5 Download Preclinical perspectives on posttraumatic stress disorder criteria in DSM-5. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 23 (1), 51–58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4542003
  Credit: Preclinical Perspectives on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Criteria in DSM-5 by Susannah Tye, PhD, Elizabeth Van Voorhees, PhD, Chunling Hu, MD, PhD, and Timothy Lineberry, MD, in HARVARD REVIEW OF PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 23/Issue 1. Copyright 2015 by ROUTLEDGE. Reprinted by permission of ROUTLEDGE via the Copyright Clearance Center.
• Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
  • Chapter 3, “Assessment and Diagnosis” (Previously read in Week 2)
  • Chapter 7, “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy”
  • Chapter 11, “Trauma Resiliency Model Therapy”
  • Chapter 15, “Trauma-Informed Medication Management”
  • Chapter 17, “Stabilization for Trauma and Dissociation”
  • Chapter 18, “Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Complex Trauma”