Psychiatry Boot Camp

2.10 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Feb 20, 2024

A clinical psychologist explains PTSD's impact on daily life, conditioning aspects, and evidence-based treatments. Topics include symptoms, coping mechanisms, arousal symptoms, neurobiological aspects, and psychotherapies. Comorbidities like mood and anxiety disorders are explored, with a focus on therapeutic approaches and cultural considerations in treating PTSD patients.

01:03:26

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Quick takeaways

Prolonged exposure therapy targets avoidance behaviors related to traumatic memories, helping patients manage distress gradually.

Cognitive processing therapy challenges distorted beliefs associated with trauma, aiming to reduce PTSD symptoms.

Comorbidities like mood and anxiety disorders often accompany PTSD, requiring vigilance and integrated treatment approaches.

Deep dives

Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Addressing Trauma-Related Fears and Symptoms

Prolonged exposure therapy is a treatment modality that focuses on tackling avoidance behaviors related to traumatic memories and situations. Through in vivo exposure, patients confront real-life stimuli they have been avoiding systematically, helping them realize they can manage distress and anxiety gradually. By repetitively facing these stimuli, patients learn to reduce fear responses and regain confidence in handling challenging situations.

Introduction

2min

Understanding PTSD Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

14min

Understanding Arousal Symptoms of PTSD

3min

Understanding PTSD Development and Neurobiological Aspects

20min

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for PTSD

18min

Exploring Common Comorbidities and Therapeutic Approaches in PTSD Patients

3min

Treatment, Cultural Considerations, and Challenges of Working with PTSD Patients

3min

Dr. Laura Watkins, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine, introduces us to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We walk though the diagnostic criteria and discuss how these symptoms can impact a person's day-to-day life. We then learn to conceptualize PTSD in terms of both classical and operant conditioning. Finally, we explain evidence based psychotherapies for PTSD and conclude with a primer on psychopharmacology for PTSD.

Essential references:

1) Osser Psychopharmacology Algorithm for PTSD

2) Clinical Guidelines for PTSD (United States Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense)

3) This American Life: Ten Sessions