NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Walden University NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER-Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER                       

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER                       

The introduction for the Walden University NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

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How to Write the Body for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER                       

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER  assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER                       

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER                       

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders characterized by anxiousness and restlessness. PTSD commonly occurs when an individual witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. The purpose of this paper is to describe the neurobiological basis of PTSD, review a case study and diagnostic criteria, and a psychotherapeutic treatment.

Neurobiological Basis of PTSD

Psychological stressors have been noted to induce neuronal remodeling and regional reductions and increases in synaptic density in several regions of the brain that affect mood and behavior. For example, a single stressor can up regulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and increase synaptogenesis in the basolateral amygdala, resulting in anxiety (Toledo et al., 2022). Additionally, stress causes an increase in cortisol, resulting in increased basolateral amygdala hypertrophy and anxiety. In some instances, synaptic loss in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and down regulation of BDNF has been associated with behavioral disturbances. Furthermore, prolonged stress exposure has been associated with a reduced uptake of glutamate at the receptors leading to increased extracellular glutamate and excitotoxicity. The excitotoxicity in the receptors has been seen to precipitate neuronal atrophy and reduce the dendritic length, synaptic density and neurotransmission strength, causing behavioral abnormalities such as mood and anxiety dysregulation.

DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria

DSM-V criteria diagnosis of PTSD includes many entities related to direct or indirect exposure to the traumatic event. The entities include one intrusive symptom, including distressing memories or dreams and flashbacks (Schrader et al., 2021). The diagnosis also includes avoidance symptoms of the traumatic event. In addition, the patient may have symptoms related to negative alterations to cognition or mood related to the trauma, such as amnesia, persistent negative emotional state and anhedonia. Furthermore, patients can experience alterations in arousal and reactivity, such as irritability, anger outbursts, recklessness, hypervigilance, problems with concentration, and sleep disturbance (Al Jowf et al., 2022).According to the video, Joe meets the DSM-V criteria for PTSD diagnosis. Joe was directly exposed to the event, and since then, he has been having intrusive memories, trouble sleeping, nightmares, avoidance symptoms, anger outbursts, and anxiety whenever the street or car involved is mentioned.

Other diagnoses given after the event include conduct, oppositional defiant, major depression, and separation anxiety disorders. I would agree with conduct disorder, as Joe has become physically violent and hostile both at school and at home (Al Zomia et al., 2023). I would also agree with the diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder, as Joe has been experiencing nightmares about the event, as well as feeling the need to sleep with his father. The reaction would be due to fear of losing his only remaining parent. However, the diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder may be inaccurate as Joe’s irritability and mood symptoms may have been a result of PTSD or previously diagnosed attention deficit hyperactive disorder (Burke et al., 2022). In addition, Joe does not meet the diagnostic criterion of major depression as he has not had a depressed mood, weight changes, or fatigue, among other depression symptoms.

Psychotherapy for PTSD

Another form of psychotherapy for PTSD includes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). It focuses on how the traumatic event happened and the patient’s coping mechanisms (Moring et al., 2020).The cognitive therapy techniques utilized focus on faulty thoughts related to traumatic events and involve the patient’s need to identify and analyze emotions related to the trauma as well as identify thoughts that are preventing recovery. After identifying the thoughts that prevent recovery, the stuck points, the patients are engaged in a cognitive process where the therapists help them address the stuck points by having them gather evidence for and against those thoughts as a road to recovery. However, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the goal standard treatment option for PTSD (Schrader et al., 2021). It is crucial to use goal-standard treatment as it reflects evidence-based practices from research to ensure patients receive the most effective interventions that have positive outcomes, thus minimizing the risks of poor outcomes.

Conclusion

PTSD is one of the most common anxiety disorders that follow exposure to a traumatic event. DSM-V diagnosis of PTSD includes avoidance, intrusive, and arousal symptoms, amongst others. The mainstay treatment for PTSD is trauma-focused CBT, as it has shown better results amongst PTSD patients.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health problem that affects patients exposed to traumatic events. PTSD treatment largely entails the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Therefore, this paper explores neurobiology of PTSD, diagnostic criteria, and psychotherapy for its management.

Neurobiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder has neurobiological basis. Studies have established that specific regions in the brain contribute to the development as well as maintenance of the disorder. They include hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex. Studies on human and animal models show that the medial prefrontal cortex in PTSD patients is overactive due to the inability of the other brain parts to regulate its functions effectively. There is also the finding that patients with PTSD have reduced hippocampal volumes, which may explain the cause and persistence of PTSD. Stressors that contribute to PTSD cause hippocampal cell loss and damage, which worsen the associated symptoms of the disorder. The HPA-axis has also been associated with the development and maintenance of PTSD. Accordingly, patients with PTSD have an over-sensitive negative feedback system, which lower the levels of cortisol and inhibit the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary gland (Malikowska-Racia & Salat, 2019; Ressler et al., 2022). These changes alter the functioning of the sympathetic response, hence, the consolidation of traumatic memories that cause PTSD.

DSM-5 TR Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD

The DSM-5 provides criteria that healthcare practitioners adopt when diagnosing patients with PTSD. According to the diagnostic tool, the diagnosis is based on symptoms in eight categories. Criteria A is at least one symptom such as direct exposure, witnessing, learning about, or indirect exposure to trauma. Criteria B encompasses symptoms that include the re-experience of the traumatic event in ways such as nightmares, upsetting memories, flashbacks, physical, and emotional distress when the patient is exposed to the trauma. The patient should have at least one symptom from category B (Cénat et al., 2020; Li et al., 2020). The patient must also have a symptom in category C of the symptoms, which include avoidance of trauma-related stimuli in ways that include reminders and feelings of the trauma.

A patient must have at least two symptoms of category D symptoms characterized by negative thoughts after the trauma. The thoughts exhibit in ways such as difficulties in recalling the key aspects of the trauma, negative affect, feeling isolated, hardships in experiencing positive affect, and exaggerated blame on self or others for the trauma. The patient should also have at least two symptoms of category E, which include irritability or aggression, hypervigilance, engaging in destructive or risky behavior, difficulty in sleeping and concentrating, and increased startle reaction. The additional categories of symptoms that must be met for PTSD diagnosis include symptoms lasting for at least one month, causing functional impairment, and not attributed to substance use, medication, or other illnesses (Cénat et al., 2020; Li et al., 2020). The video provides sufficient information to derive PTSD diagnosis since the information given align with those of PTSD. I agree with the other diagnoses since they align with those of the disorders, as stated in DSM-5.

Psychotherapy Treatment Option

The other psychotherapeutic treatment option for the patient that can be considered is prolonged exposure therapy. Prolonged exposure therapy entails exposing the patient to trauma-related reminders until there is a reduction in the perceived anxiety level and autonomic responses by at least half. The decrease implies the desensitization or extinction of the fear pathways. Prolonged exposure therapy is not considered a gold standard treatment but can be used in combination with other psychotherapeutic treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (Kothgassner et al., 2019). It is important to use gold standard evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines because they contribute to outcomes such as safety, quality, and efficiency in nursing practice.

Conclusion

In summary, PTSD has neurobiological basis. The DSM-5 provides the criteria for diagnosing patients with PTSD as well as other mental health problems. Psychotherapy interventions such as prolonged exposure therapy may be effective for PTSD patients. However, nurse practitioners should ensure the adopted interventions are evidence-based.

Sample Answer for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Included After Question

NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

It is estimated that more almost 7% of the U.S. population will experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). This debilitating disorder often interferes with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Common symptoms of anxiousness and depression frequently lead to behavioral issues, adolescent substance abuse issues, and even physical ailments. For this Assignment, you examine a PTSD video case study and consider how you might assess and treat clients presenting with PTSD.

To prepare:

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and reflect on the insights they provide about diagnosing and treating PTSD.
• View the media Presentation Example: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and assess the client in the case study.
• For guidance on assessing the client, refer to Chapter 3 of the Wheeler text.

Note: To complete this Assignment, you must assess the client, but you are not required to submit a formal comprehensive client assessment.

Sample Answer for NRNP 6645 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Assessing and Treating Patients with PTSD 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) refers to a psychiatriccondition which follows encounter with a terrifying event like violence, sexual assault, natural calamities. PTSD is associated with several neurobiological changes that usually alters one’s brain functioning leading to re-experiencing, avoidance arousal, cognition and mood symptoms. The paper aims to expound on the evaluation and management of patients with PTSD. 

Neurobiological Basis for PTSD Illness 

The neurobiological basis for PTSD is complex and not yet fully understood. However, research has shown that PTSD can be associated with alterations in structural and functioning in the prefrontal cortex, and other parts of the cortex such as the amygdala. The prefrontal cortex regulates emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and changes in this area may contribute to PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance and difficulty controlling emotions. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions and threat detection, and alterations in this area may contribute to hyperarousal symptoms in PTSD. The hippocampus is responsible for memory consolidation, and changes in this area may contribute to intrusive memories and flashbacks in PTSD. Additionally, research has shown that chronic stress, such as that experienced by individuals with PTSD, can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamus associated with the body’s stress response. These changes may contribute to alterations in arousal and reactivity seen in PTSD. 

 Criteria forDiagnosis of PTSD 

The DSM-5 (APA, 2013) diagnostic criteria for PTSD involves exposure to a terrifying experience, intrusive symptoms, avoidance symptoms, negative changes in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. It requires the individual to either have experienced a death threat, physical injury, or offensive sexual advance through direct experience or learning about the dreadful event occurring in a loved one (Sherin et al., 2022). The patient must also experience at least one intrusive symptom, such as distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks. They also portray avoidance behavior, like avoiding memories of the traumatic event or the thoughts.  

 The case presented in the video meets the criteria for PTSD diagnosis. Joe was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident with his father, although he did not sustain injuries, and his father had a minor bruise on his knee which did not warrant treatment, the event that followed triggered the illness on Joe. He felt frightened when the guy who hit them started chasing them while threatening his father. Joe is reported to be experiencing intrusive symptoms such as nightmares and aggressive behavior at school and home. He also has trouble sleeping and has anxiety (Shiavone et al., 2018). Furthermore, Joe has negative alterations in cognition and mood; he has negative feelings that he should not be away from his father since something dreadful might happen to his father. He also has hyperarousal and poor memory of the accident and the following events, which he does not want to discuss.  

I disagree with the diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and Separate anxiety disorder. However, I agree with Specific Phobia, portrayed by his extreme fear of spiders. For MDD, he does not have a depressed mood, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, or difficulty concentrating, though he has trouble sleeping (Barbano et al., 2019). For ADHD, he has no hyperactivity or impulsiveness, which have interfered with normal functioning.  

Treatment of PTSD  

Another treatment option for Joe is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as ithelps patients negate the traumatic event and reduce their emotional distress. EMDR also involves identifying negative beliefs associated with the traumatic event and replacing them with more positive beliefs (Kuijpers et al., 2020).EMDR is considered the treatment of choicefor PTSD. EMDR is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Health Organization as an effective psychotherapy for PTSD.By using evidence-based treatments, PMHNPs can be confident that they provide their patients with the most effective treatments. This is important not only for the patient’s recovery but also for the credibility and reputation of the PMHNP. 

Conclusion  

PTSD is a mental disorder that may arise after an individual experiences or witnesses a terrifying event like violence, sexual abuse, or a natural disaster. Structurally, it is associated with changes in the brain in areas associated with memory, emotional regulation, and fear processing. Psychotherapy with modalities such as trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, and behavioral activations form the gold standard for management of the condition. A better response is reported with other psychotherapies such as trauma-focused cognitive therapy.  

References  

Barbano, A. C., Der Mei, W. F., deRoon‐Cassini, T. A., Grauer, E., Lowe, S. R., Matsuoka, Y. J., O’Donnell, M., Olff, M., Qi, W., Ratanatharathorn, A., Schnyder, U., Seedat, S., Kessler, R. C., Koenen, K. C., Shalev, A. Y., & the International Consortium to Prevent PTSD. (2019). Differentiating PTSD from anxiety and depression: Lessons from the ICD‐11 PTSD diagnostic criteria. Depression and Anxiety, 36(6), 490–498. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22881 

Boyd, J. E., Lanius, R. A., & McKinnon, M. C. (2018). Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of the treatment literature and neurobiological evidence. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 43(1), 7–25. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.170021 

Cuijpers, P., Veen, S. C. V., Sijbrandij, M., Yoder, W., & Cristea, I. A. (2020). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 165–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1703801 

Schiavone, F. L., Frewen, P., McKinnon, M., & Lanius, R. A. (2018). The dissociative subtype of PTSD: an update of the literature. PTSD Research Quarterly, 29(3), 1-13. 

Sherin, J. E., & Nemeroff, C. B. (2022). Posttraumatic stress disorder: the neurobiological impact of psychological trauma. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2011.13.2/jsherin