PYC4802 Exam prep
Notes 2022
,C) Avoidance of stimuli, after event
D) Negative alterations in cognitions and mood, after event
E) Alterations in arousal and reactivity, 2>
F) Duration (B-E), 1 month>
G) Social, Distress, occupational and other areas
H) Medical, not physiological effects of substance or other medical conditions
Adults, adolescents and children older than 6 years:
A) 4 Exposure
Exposure to actual or threatening death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one or more of the
following ways:
1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)
2. Witnessing in person the event(s) as it occurs to others
3. Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close family member or close friend (death
violent or
accidental)
4. repeated extreme exposure to details of traumatic event(s) - 1st responders & police
officers)
repeated exposure does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television or movies, unless
exposure is work related
B) 5 Intrusion symptoms 1>, onset after event
1. recurrent and distressing Memories of TE
2. distressing Dreams related to TE
3. Flashbacks – individual feels or acts as if TE were recurring
4. Intense Psychological distress to cues resembling TE
5. Physiological reaction to cues resembling TE
Downloaded by: biancatrytsman | biancatrytsman@gmail.com Distribution of this document is illegal
Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
C) 2 Avoidance of stimuli, onset after event
1. Avoidance or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts or feelings associated with
traumatic event(s).
2. Avoidance or efforts to avoid external reminders (places, people, activities) that arouse
memories, thoughts
or feelings associated with traumatic event(s).
, PTSD: ASD and PTSD are the two disorders that have special relevance to our country with its
high rates of violence and crime. These disorders are extreme psychological reactions to an
intensely traumatic or violent event, such as assault, sexual assault, natural disasters,
accidents and wartime trauma.
Downloaded by: biancatrytsman | biancatrytsman@gmail.com Distribution of this document is illegal
Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
Exam Questions:
Question 1
South Africa is regarded as having a ‘culture of violence’ Critically discuss the
diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its characteristics. In addition,
discuss factors which would influence the assessment of PTSD in light of
wider contextual factors [25 marks]
Definitions:
PTSD is classified as a trauma and stressor related disorder n the DSM5. Diagnosis requires that a
person has been exposed to a traumatic event that led to a response of intense fear, helplessness
and horror. This traumatic event could be something that the person experienced directly, or could
have witnessed. The person could have been faced with a near death experience, serious injury or
sexual violence on his life or that of a close friend or family member. The person re-experiences the
event and avoids any cue associated with the traumatic event. Symptoms must last more than 1
month to be diagnosed.
In psychology, culture refers to systems of knowledge, concepts, rules and practices that are learned
and transmitted across generations.
Violence and trauma defined:
Violent crime and trauma are currently normative within South African society. Many commentators
have come to refer to South Africa as a "culture of violence" - a society which endorses and accepts
violence as an acceptable and legitimate means to resolve problems and achieve goals (Vogelman &
Simpson, 1990)
Walter (1996), defines violence as: Destructive harm, including not only physical assaults that
damage the body, but also the many techniques of inflicting harm by mental or emotional means.
Introduction:
The relationship between illness and stress depends on the interaction between biological,
psychological, social and social-cultural factors. The diagnosis of PTSD requires that a person is
exposed to a traumatic event that led to a response of fear, helplessness or horror, a traumatic event
could refer to exposure to actual or threatening death, serious injury or sexual violence, experienced
either directly of by witnessing events as they occur to others.
, Within the South African context of violence and trauma, reports indicate that post-apartheid South
Africa has extremely high rates of violent crimes, sexual violence and domestic abuse. Surveys have
found that South Africa has among the highest incidence of murder, armed robbery and intimate
partner violence. There is a high risk for PTSD associated with political, domestic, criminal, sexual and
other forms of assault in the South African population.
DSM5 Criteria for PTSD
See beginning of section
Factors which would influence the assessment of PTSD in light of wider
contextual factors:
Downloaded by: biancatrytsman | biancatrytsman@gmail.com Distribution of this document is illegal
