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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
NRNP-6645: Psychotherapy with Multiple
Modalities Dr. Clara Abit
, 2
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. It is a state of
increased stress and anxiety following a traumatic event such as physical or domestic violence,
car accident, severe illness, human-made or natural disaster. In children who are younger than 6
years old, intrusive thoughts are expressed in plays or nightmares. They may also present with
fear, agitation, and disorganization (Boland & Verduin, 2022).
Neurobiological Basis for PTSD
Patients diagnosed with PTSD experience structural and functional brain changes leading to
clusters of symptoms. The neurobiological basis of PTDS involved the hypoactive ventromedial
prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as evidenced by loss of gray matter. It also involves a hyperactive
amygdala, which affects response to treatment. Hyperactive amygdala causes discrimination and
generalization of signals related to safety and danger. Amygdalo-frontal hyperactivities are
associated with depressive symptoms and the severity of other symptoms (Gilpin & Weiner,
2017). Hypofunctional of the amygdala also affects patient interest to pleasurable activities and
reduces positive effects. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involves low cortisol
levels after a traumatic event, which is associated with avoidance, disengagement, and the ability
to cope. Finally, hippocampal deficits affect recall, memories, and stress hormone signaling
(Fujikawa et al., 2024).
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria
According to DSM-5 TR, the diagnosis of PTSD requires a direct or a witness of an
actual or threatened trauma. Criteria include one of the more intrusive symptoms, such as
recurrent distress, intense or prolonged psychological distress, physiological distress, or
flashbacks. Negative cognitive alterations, ongoing negative beliefs, and marked alterations in
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
NRNP-6645: Psychotherapy with Multiple
Modalities Dr. Clara Abit
, 2
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. It is a state of
increased stress and anxiety following a traumatic event such as physical or domestic violence,
car accident, severe illness, human-made or natural disaster. In children who are younger than 6
years old, intrusive thoughts are expressed in plays or nightmares. They may also present with
fear, agitation, and disorganization (Boland & Verduin, 2022).
Neurobiological Basis for PTSD
Patients diagnosed with PTSD experience structural and functional brain changes leading to
clusters of symptoms. The neurobiological basis of PTDS involved the hypoactive ventromedial
prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as evidenced by loss of gray matter. It also involves a hyperactive
amygdala, which affects response to treatment. Hyperactive amygdala causes discrimination and
generalization of signals related to safety and danger. Amygdalo-frontal hyperactivities are
associated with depressive symptoms and the severity of other symptoms (Gilpin & Weiner,
2017). Hypofunctional of the amygdala also affects patient interest to pleasurable activities and
reduces positive effects. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involves low cortisol
levels after a traumatic event, which is associated with avoidance, disengagement, and the ability
to cope. Finally, hippocampal deficits affect recall, memories, and stress hormone signaling
(Fujikawa et al., 2024).
DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria
According to DSM-5 TR, the diagnosis of PTSD requires a direct or a witness of an
actual or threatened trauma. Criteria include one of the more intrusive symptoms, such as
recurrent distress, intense or prolonged psychological distress, physiological distress, or
flashbacks. Negative cognitive alterations, ongoing negative beliefs, and marked alterations in
