Question 1

Following exposure to a traumatic event, post-traumatic stress disorder occurs more often&#10;A) Among men&#10;B) Among individuals who have experienced prior traumas&#10;C) Among individuals with high levels of education&#10;D) Among those who are married or in a stable relationship

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that individuals who have experienced prior traumas are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to a new traumatic event. This is thought to be due to a sensitization effect - the brain becomes more responsive to subsequent stressful experiences, making it more likely for PTSD to develop. Gender, education level, and relationship status have not been consistently identified as significant risk factors for PTSD.

Question 2

The brain structure that is involved with encoding the time and place of a trauma is the&#10;A) Amygdala&#10;B) Thalamus&#10;C) Hippocampus&#10;D) Hypothalamus

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a structure of the brain that plays a key role in the formation of new memories, including the memories of time and place. It is closely associated with the encoding of emotional memories, such as those associated with traumatic events. Research has shown that damage to the hippocampus can impair a person's ability to recall the time and place of a traumatic event. Therefore, choice C, the hippocampus, is the best option.

Question 3

Which mental status variation are you most likely to expect for a client diagnosed as having post-traumatic stress disorder?&#10;A) Thought: delusions of grandeur&#10;B) Perceptual: derealization and depersonalization&#10;C) Memory: impaired recent memory&#10;D) Mood: inappropriate, silly

Accepted Answer

Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder are likely to display symptoms of derealization and depersonalization which are perceptual variations. These symptoms are characterized by feelings of being detached from themselves, their surroundings, or reality itself.

Question 4

The primary goal of treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder is to help them to&#10;A) Eradicate memories of the traumatic event&#10;B) Prevent response to triggers of the traumatic event&#10;C) Learn to live with intrusive images&#10;D) Place the trauma in the larger perspective of their lives

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder is to help them place the trauma in the larger perspective of their lives. This involves helping patients to process the traumatic event, develop coping skills, and integrate the experience into their life story in a way that allows them to move forward and function effectively. It is not possible or desirable to eradicate memories of the traumatic event, and learning to live with intrusive images may be a part of the process. However, the ultimate goal is to prevent or reduce the response to triggers of the traumatic event so that patients can resume a fulfilling and satisfying life.

Question 5

Three days ago, a woman was raped by a man who drove her home from a party. She notified the police and the man was arrested. She has memory loss related to the rape and feels depressed and lethargic. Which of the following would be the most immediate beneficial intervention?

A) Providing an opportunity to confront her assailant
B) Providing medication
C) Referring her to a support group
D) Creating a safe environment

Accepted Answer

Creating a safe environment is the most immediate beneficial intervention to help the woman feel secure and supported, which is crucial for her emotional and psychological well-being following such a traumatic event.

Question 6

Which one of the following exposure treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder has been found to be effective among veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder that has not responded to other forms of treatment?

A) Cognitive behavioral therapy
B) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
C) Structured writing therapy
D) Virtual reality exposure therapy

Accepted Answer

Virtual reality exposure therapy has been found to be effective among veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder that has not responded to other forms of treatment. This therapy involves exposing the patient to virtual reality simulations of traumatic events in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to gradually confront and process their traumatic experiences. This has been shown to be more effective than traditional exposure therapy and other forms of treatment for PTSD.

Question 7

The model of psychotherapy that is most effective for acute post-traumatic stress disorder is&#10;A) Supportive psychotherapy&#10;B) Exposure therapy&#10;C) Stress inoculation therapy&#10;D) Debriefing therapy

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the patient to fear-inducing stimuli associated with the trauma, has been found to be the most effective psychotherapy for treating acute post-traumatic stress disorder. It helps to reduce the patient's avoidance behavior and teaches them to confront and manage their stress reactions. Supportive psychotherapy and debriefing therapy have not been found to be effective in treating PTSD, and stress inoculation therapy is more commonly used for treating chronic PTSD.

Question 8

Ninety percent of Americans experience a trauma in their lifetime that is severe enough to cause post-traumatic stress disorder. What percent develop post-traumatic stress disorder?&#10;A) 10%&#10;B) 20%&#10;C) 30%&#10;D) 40%

Accepted Answer

Approximately 10% of people who experience a trauma severe enough to potentially cause PTSD actually develop the disorder.

Question 9

The key feature of acute stress disorder is the presence of&#10;A) Sleep disturbances&#10;B) Symptoms of dissociation&#10;C) Increased arousal&#10;D) Recurrent, intrusive thoughts

Accepted Answer

Acute stress disorder is characterized by symptoms of dissociation, which include a sense of detachment or numbing, reduced awareness of surroundings, or derealization.

Question 10

The current frontline treatment for acute stress disorder is&#10;A) Mood stabilizer medications&#10;B) Interpersonal psychotherapy&#10;C) Antianxiety medications&#10;D) Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy

Accepted Answer

The best choice for frontline treatment for acute stress disorder is trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy can help individuals understand and cope with their traumatic experiences, develop skills for managing distressing thoughts and feelings, and gradually confront and process the traumatic memories. Other treatments, such as medication and interpersonal therapy, may also be helpful but are not considered the first-line treatment for acute stress disorder.

Deck 11: Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder