Sgt Blue Presents at the Clinic Today with His Wife

Sgt. Blue presents at the clinic today with his wife who states that he has been suffering worsening depression since coming home from his second tour of military duty in Afghanistan. She states that he wakes at night from dreams where he appears to be reliving his recent experiences. He has had frequent episodes of being unable to go to work related to extreme fatigue and inability to concentrate. On further assessment, you find that Sgt. Blue is easily startled by loud noises (things as innocuous as a car backfire) and continually looks at the door while talking to you. He is exhibiting signs of posttraumatic stress disorder. Discuss what is this condition, how it is diagnosed, what the major symptoms are as well as how this will impact his life, and what is the potential prognosis for him.
A. Define PTSD.
B. What are the main symptoms (psychological and physical) associated with PTSD?
C. What are the anticipated treatments for PTSD?
D. What medications might be expected to be prescribed?
E. How can his family receive help to assist living with him?