The Complete Guide to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Psychology - Tips and Techniques for Educators
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The Comprehensive Primer on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Psychological Studies - Essential Strategies for Educators
Key Points
- Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Psychology
- Symptoms and Causes of PTSD
- PTSD Diagnosis and Assessment
- The role of Teachers and Educators in Managing PTSD
- FAQ
Living in a fast-moving world predisposes us to an array of challenges that potentially compromise our mental wellness. At the forefront of these challenges is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly abbreviated as PTSD. The understanding of post traumatic stress disorder in psychology offers insights towards combatting the battle against mental disorders, focusing on creating a more inclusive and safe environment for those affected.
Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Psychology
PTSD is a disorder that affects individuals who have encountered life-altering traumas such as violent assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents or combat exposure (such as war veterans). This disorder is characterized by intrusive memories, changes in emotional reactions, avoidance of reminders of the traumatic experience, and negative changes in thinking and mood.
Symptoms and Causes of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can be categorized into four distinct groups:
- Intrusive memories: These include recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, upsetting dreams, or severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds one of the traumatic event.
- Avoidance: This involves steering clear of places, activities, or people that remind one of the traumatic event, not to mention avoiding talking about the traumatic event.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood: These could involve feelings of hopelessness or negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world. It may involve memory problems, particularly the inability to remember aspects of the traumatic event, feelings of detachment from family and friends, lack of interest in activities, and difficulty maintaining close relationships.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Symptoms include being easily startled or frightened, self-destructive behaviour, trouble sleeping or concentrating, irritability, angered outbursts, and overwhelming guilt or shame.
Whilst it's often assumed that PTSD is a direct product of a traumatic event, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone who experiences trauma ends up with PTSD. Genetics, exposure to prolonged levels of stress, the presence of other mental health issues, and lack of social support post-trauma contribute as risk factors for developing PTSD.
PTSD Diagnosis and Assessment
Diagnosing PTSD demands a comprehensive understanding of signs and symptoms in correlation to traumatic events. Diagnostic measures include the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) or ICD-10 criteria (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision). The process typically comprises thorough clinical interviews, physical examinations, and, in some instances, psychological testing.
The Role of Teachers and Educators in Managing PTSD
Educators are well-positioned to identify early signs of PTSD in instances where students exhibit certain symptoms like frequent absences, sudden drop in academic performance, behavioural changes, and frequent nightmares. Aside from that, teachers can utilize several strategies to support students with PTSD:
- Creating a safe, stable and understanding environment for students
- Developing coping strategies and stress management techniques
- Sharing resources to get professional help, if necessary
- Encouraging peer support and strengthening student’s social ties
Remember that recovery from PTSD is a personal journey that requires patience, understanding, and support from educators and peers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in psychology?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that occurs following a life-altering traumatic event. It affects an individual's thinking, mood, and emotional well-being.
2. Who can be diagnosed with PTSD?
Anyone who has experienced life-altering traumas such as violent assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents, combat exposure is at risk of developing PTSD.
3. What can teachers and educators do to support students with PTSD?
Teachers can provide crucial support by recognizing early signs of PTSD, providing coping strategies, fostering a safe and understanding environment, and sharing resources for professional help.
While the journey of understanding post traumatic stress in psychology is long and arduous, the knowledge acquired becomes an invaluable tool in making a difference. Educators, armed with this knowledge, can play a vital role in recognizing, managing, and supporting those affected by PTSD.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.