[FULL ACCESS] Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Research and Treatment

This assignment is focused on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and covers various aspects of the topic. It starts with an introduction to PTSD, followed by research papers on the subject from 2016 and 2017. The first part of the assignment includes interviews with patients who have experienced traumatic events, while the second part consists of questions for healthcare professionals who treat patients with PTSD. The assignment also includes a summary of relevant studies and treatments for PTSD.

RESEARCH PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology.....................................................................................................................4
Literature review...........................................................................................................8
Investigation..................................................................................................................... 9
Results and Findings......................................................................................................13
Interpretation of Interview 1........................................................................................13
Interpretation of Interview 2........................................................................................14
Conclusion and Recommendations................................................................................15
References.....................................................................................................................17

Topic of the project –
“To identify why there has been increase in the number of people diagnosed with
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)”
INTRODUCTION
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder typically develops in those who have
experienced any sort of shocking, scary and dangerous event. On general note, it is
apparent that a person gets afraid during and after a traumatic situation; hence it brings
fear in the behaviour of that person. Thus, considering this aspect, the present research
work has been made with an attempt to analyse why number of people (suffering from
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) have been increasing. In order to meet the aim of the
research work, several objectives has been developed which has described how Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder develops.
 To define the reasons of increasing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in people
 To ascertain the factors that are associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
 To identify the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The present research work has analyses the reasons that increases Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder in people and which also enhances other health problems
(Grupe, Wielgosz, Davidson and Nitschke, 2016). The study is beneficial for health care
practitioners to get knowledge about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There are so
many mythologies associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; hence in the present
work, the exact causes of PTSD have been defined.
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METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is the most important section of the research work in
which discussion has been included regarding different tools and techniques. Several
methods that have been used in the research study are discussed in the following
section.
Research approach: Research approach holds more importance in a research
study; however it does not require adoption of any specific research area (Bromet and
et.al., 2017). For the present study, inductive approach has been taken into account
since it starts with observation and at the same time, theories are being developed while
finishing the entire research process.
Research philosophy: It deals with the source, nature and development of
knowledge; thus it will be included in the present study. The categories are Positivism
and Interpretivism and in the present study, researcher has been using Interpretivism
philosophy that allows researcher to integrate data aspects in suitable manner. It is
socially constructed; hence it has been used in the subsequent project.
Data collection: In order to collect data, it is crucial for researcher to emphasize
on diverse sources as that will also amend the validity of research procedure. In the
present study, both the sources primary and secondary have been used (Howlett and
Stein, 2016). Under primary source, data has been collected through carrying out one to
one interviews with people who have been exposed to trauma in past. Further, several
health care practitioners and professionals have been included in the interview process
to analyse the reasons that develops the issues related to Post- Traumatic Stress
Disorder in people.
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Sampling: Sampling is the procedure in which a few people are being selected
from the entire population for the purpose of conducting the overall research procedure.
Probability and non- probability are two basic methods on the basis of which sample
size can be selected; however in the present research study researcher has been
emphasizing on random sampling technique. Hence, sample size for the present study
is 10 people who have been exposed to PTSD and 10 health care professionals.
Data analysis: Data analysis is the section in which findings of the study is being
analysed and interpreted according to suitable method (Bromet and et.al., 2017). Thus,
for the present research work, researcher has used Qualitative method and under that
Thematic analysis has been done. In addition to the same, charts, diagrams and tables
have been made to depict the responses of participants.
Ethical considerations: Ethics play crucial role in the research procedure;
hence for such purpose researcher has been focusing on all relevant and accurate
sources to collect suitable data. At the same time, researcher has also acquired consent
from the participants prior involving them in research procedure. Under ethical
terminology, researcher has also ensured to maintain data in secured database; this will
also enhance the validity and reliability of research procedure.
Research limitations: At the time of developing research work, apparently
researcher experiences many constraints and limitations (Fink and et.al., 2016). Thus,
integrating the same, in the subsequent work researcher had time and financial
constraints which also affected the overall procedure.
Timeline
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Activity Wee
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Writing
Research
Proposal
Reading
various
literature
Finalizing
the aims
and
objectives
Draft
literature
review
Collect
secondar
y data
Analyze
secondar
y data
Develop
research
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approach
Draft
research
methodol
ogy
Develop
questionn
aire
Arrange
the
interview
Conduct
the
interview
Accumula
te the
data
Draft
Findings
Analyze
data
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Complete
remaining
chapters
Submit it
to tutor
and await
for
feedback
Revise
the draft
Print and
bind
Submit
Literature review
According to Grupe, Wielgosz, Davidson and Nitschke (2016), PTSD starts when
a person has one month of a traumatic event; however such symptoms do not appear
immediately; therefore suitable analysis of the situation is essential. PTSD typically
impacts person’s ability while managing normal daily tasks and practices. Traumatic
event can happen because of any reason and it also brings negativity in the person.
This also led to memory problems; hence a person becomes unable to maintain close
relationships. However, on the other hand Howlett and Stein (2016), says that generally
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it brings negative change in thinking, mood, physical and emotional areas which is a
negative sign for a person’s health.
PTSD develops in 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma and which also
leads to stress and anxiety. It changes mental health condition and especially it occurs
when a person experiences severe traumatic event such as war, natural disaster and
any other situation of intense fear. Contrary to the same, Khusid and Vythilingam
(2016), contends that most of the people eventually adjust to the aftereffects of such
events; however situation of some people get worse with time. Emotional symptoms
include depression, worry, fear, helplessness and emotionally numb.
INVESTIGATION
In order to conduct the process of investigation, researcher has made use of
different sources which also contributes in carrying out the research procedure. In the
present research study, focus has been laid on increasing number of Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder which is yet another reason for mental issue that occurs in people
(Prakash, Saha, Das, Srivastava and Shashikumar, 2016). Researcher has selected
this topic because large number of data is available on this area and also due to area of
interest. Thus, this section interview is being conducted so that to get views of people
who have experienced PTSD. Interview has been conducted with women and men who
have exposed to trauma in past.
While conducting the interview, it is being ascertained that all the participants
have given different responses because all them are experiencing diverse traumatic
events. Here, it can be articulated that PTSD symptoms can vary over time and it also
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leads to more stress in the person especially while recalling the event (Khusid and
Vythilingam, 2016). However, PTSD is commonly occurred in those people who have
experienced social and physical abuse for longer period. Older people also have such
kind of problem because they have seen impacts of war and natural disasters.
Physical abuse and harm affects the person negatively and it also changes the
way people think and conduct different activities. For instance- women who experience
sexual abuse from their partners usually get depressed at the time when the incident
comes in their mind. Sexual abuse changes the mental and physical thinking of women
and it also leads to bring more psychological impact on women (Howlett and Stein,
2016). This impacts regular life and as a result, overall family gets affected. Most of the
women take treatment for the same; however they often experience long term issues
even after getting suitable treatment.
Another example could be stated about Holocaust people who have experienced
many issues because of war and natural disaster wherein they lost their family
members. Such events also affects present life of the person and as a result people
become unable to enjoy the life. Emotional numbness is one of the major impacts that
occur especially at the time when a person experiences stress due to traumatic event
(Grupe, Wielgosz, Davidson and Nitschke, 2016) The number of PTSD has been
increasing because issues related to stress are more common in people. In current
scenario, it is apparent that people have stress because of many reasons and that gets
worse when they any sort of experienced traumatic event comes in their mind on
repetitive basis (Fink and et.al., 2016).
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Another interview has been conducted with health care professionals who have
knowledge about impact of PTSD on patients. Questions for the interview have been
stated in the below section:
Health care practitioners are much aware about the impacts of PTSD; hence
considering this as a serious health mental condition, health care practiotners have
changed the way of delivering effective services to the concerned people. Post-
traumatic stress disorder seems to be a long lasting consequence that occurs due to
traumatic events devastate the ability, strength and competency of the person (Bromet
and et.al., 2017). Changes in service delivery procedure greatly affects the person’s
mind-set and it also develops different feeling of anger, fear and anxiety. People usually
behave abnormally when such natural event occurs in their life.
The most common reason that increases PTSD in people is genetics which
contends that anxiety disorders tend to run in families and people who have first degree
relatives (those who struggle anxiety disorder) are at greater risk of developing such
disorder in themselves. In this respect, Al Jadili and Thabet (2017), says that there is
not a definite cause for PTSD; however on the other hand it makes a person more
vulnerable to develop the disorder after experiencing any sort of traumatic attack.
Further, it is also believed that certain areas of brain regulate emotions and fear
especially among those who have experienced traumatic effects.
Moreover, it is also ascertained that people who have a history of trauma and
stress are more likely to PTSD and children usually develop this trauma because of
experiencing this in one of the family members (Zuckerman and et.al., 2017). In addition
to this, mental illness, anxiety and depression are yet another causes that increases the
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risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. It needs to have timely treatment as it may impact
the person’s life and capability and it could also lead to generate difficultly in regulating
emotions. Fear, anger and feeling of guilt are some of the common effects of PTSD and
it also leads to long term issues in the person (Wild and et.al., 2016).
Therefore, in this respect it can be said that when a person experiences any sort
of emotional incident, it changes the mind-set along with mental and physical capability.
However, in the same realm, when the affected person observes same issue with any
other person; then the exact situation appears in the mind and accordingly it hampers
the present condition (Sørensen, Andersen, Karstoft and Madsen, 2016). Most of the
family members of victims can develop such sort of disorder through vicarious trauma.
Henceforth, it is clear that PTSD is most often accompanied by depression, substance
abuse and anxiety disorders (Prakash, Saha, Das, Srivastava and Shashikumar, 2016).
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
Interpretation of Interview 1
Theme 1 Experience of traumatic event
While asking this question, participants said that they have experienced
traumatic attack and still they remember many things about the subsequent event.
Furthermore, participants also said that such event seems to have long term impact on
their mental capability. They further also added that traumatic event greatly changes
their present time.
Theme 2 Physical and social abuse is the major traumatic event people usually
experience
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Dimensions Responses Percentage
War 3 30%
Natural Disaster 3 30%
Physical and social abuse 4 40%
War Natural Disaster Physical and social abuse
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
3 3
4
30% 30% 40%
Responses Percentage
While asking this question, 4 participants said that they usually face traumatic
event because of physical and social abuse, 3 said that because of natural disaster and
remaining 3 marked for war and any other event. Hence, it is clear that there are various
events that leads to occur traumatic attack in people.
Theme 3 People get scared when the traumatic event suddenly reconnects in the
mind
Among all the participants, majority of women said that they have traumatic
attack especially when they recall the issues related to physical harm and abuse. They
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also added that most of the present event make them recall the past traumatic event;
hence this changes their attitude and behaviour.
Theme 4 People feel depressed because of traumatic event
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Yes 3 30%
No 1 10%
Sometimes 2 20%
Always 4 40%
Yes No Sometimes Always
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
3
1
2
4
30% 10% 20% 40%
Responses Percentage
While asking this question, 4 participants said that they always get depressed
when they consider the impact of traumatic event. Moreover, 3 marked for yes, 2
marked for sometimes and remaining 1 marked for no. Further, women also added that
because of physical abuse they get depressed which also changes their behaviour and
attitude. Similarly, in this context traumatic events seems to be more impactful for
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people in many forms and especially it affects women who are more likely affected by
traumatic event.
Theme 5 Majority of patients do not consider themselves able to overcome the
situation
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Yes 2 20%
No 8 80%
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
8
While asking this question, 80% participants said that they are unable to cope
with the situation; hence most often they do not even try to overcome the traumatic
event. Rest 20% participants said that sometimes they try to overcome the situation. In
addition to the same, it is also ascertained that most of the people feel negative about
the event; hence they do not even try to overcome from the situation. Therefore, it can
be said that traumatic event affects people especially when they recall the situation.
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During such time period, they get lost in the situation and as a result they become
unable to cope the issues.
Theme 6 Traumatic event impacts present life
In this respect, most of the participants also contended that traumatic event
impacts mental status and most often it leads to suicidal attempts. Thereafter, all the
family members get affected which changes the existing environment of the family.
Henceforth, it can be said that because of traumatic event, stress occurs in the person
and that also changes existing condition of the person. Along with this, it is also
identified that experience of traumatic event not only brings depression in the person;
but also it leads to change perception and thinking ability. Considering this aspect, it can
be articulated that traumatic event needs to be suitably treated with the most
appropriate intervention and treatment.
Theme 7 People usually take treatment to overcome the issue of PTSD
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Yes 1 10%
No 9 90%
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10%
90%
Yes No
At the time of asking this question, 90% participants said that they take treatment
from the doctors and practitioners by regularly consulting them. However, on the other
side, 10% participants contended that because of social consequences, they do not
consult the doctors. Apart from the same, it is also ascertained that people usually
consult doctor and practitioners when they observe disturbing thoughts and feelings
about a traumatic event for more than a month; hence according to severity of condition,
they undertake treatment.
Interpretation of Interview 2
Theme 1 Health care practitioners treat PTSD patients in increasing rate
While conducting interview from the health care practitioners and professionals, it
is ascertained that the cases of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder is increasing on
continuous basis and this also leads to develop stress. In addition to the same, it can
also be articulated that health care practitioners usually deal with such patients when
someone suffers from physical and social abuse.
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Theme 2 Patients have long term impact of PTSD
While asking this question, participants added that most of the patients
experience long term impacts due to PTSD and this typically arises due to any past
medical history such as natural disaster, war or any other event.
Theme 3 Counselling sessions are delivered to PTSD patients
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Counselling 7 70%
Medication 2 20%
Therapeutic intervention 1 10%
Counselling Medication Therapeutic intervention
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
7
2
1
While asking this question, 70% practitioners said they believe in giving
counselling services to PTSD patients; 20% marked for medication and remaining 10%
marked for therapeutic intervention. In addition to the same, it is also ascertained that
practitioners conduct counselling sessions with the patients so as to identify all the
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hidden problems. This is also significant for the purpose of treating medical problems of
such patients.
Theme 4 PTSD is directly related to medical problem
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Yes 8 80%
no 2 20%
80%
20%
Yes
no
80% practitioners articulated that PTSD is directly related to stress and mental
disorder and at the same time it also impedes the though process of the person. While
talking about this, health care practitioners said that 22.5% of men and 21.2% of women
have been diagnosed with partial PTSD at some point in their lives and especially it
occurs in veterans of World War II. However, on the other hand, 20% practitioners said
that PTSD is not a medical problem. In the interview, the participants also added that
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many people get affected because of cross cultural issues and that also generates the
challenges related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Theme 5 Psychological treatment is given to PTSD patients
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Yes 4 40%
No 1 10%
Always 5 50%
Yes
40%
No
10%
Always
50%
Yes No Always
While asking this question, 5 participants said that they give physiological
treatment to PTSD patients. Psychological treatment is also essential for PTSD patients
because that aids the person to identify all the aspects that are associated with stress
and mental disorder. On the other hand, 4 participants said that physiological treatment
is crucial for PTSD patients and remaining 1 marked for no. Apparently, mental and
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medical problem needs to be suitably resolved so people can get back to healthy and
normal life.
Theme 6 Practitioners usually conduct counselling session while observing
traumatic event
At the time of asking about this situation, health care practitioners said that they
give immediate counselling services to the patients so that they can come up with the
exact problem. However, practitioners also said that PTSD is a serious medical problem
which not only changes health aspects; but also it leads to bring more transformation in
existing behavioural aspects. Therefore, they believe in developing direct
communication with the patients.
Theme 7 Practice improvement is required in this domain
Dimensions Responses Percentage
Yes 9 90%
No 1 10%
20

Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
9
1
In this context, 9 health care practitioners contended that practice improvement is
also required in this domain. This will not only enhance health care standards, but also it
will aid in minimizing health care issues. However, on the other hand 1 participant
marked for no.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summing up the entire research work, it can be said that at the time of treating
PTSD patients, it is crucial for the health care entities to ensure that proper services are
being rendered to the patients (Zuckerman and et.al., 2017). Researching several
articles and journals made it clear that post-traumatic stress disorder arises among
people who have experienced issues and challenges related to World War II and also
due to natural disaster. In the study, focus has also been laid on impact of cultural
aspects on stress disorders.
Apart from this, it can also be said that health care practitioners are required to
consider the importance of practice improvement so that stress related issues among
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people can be reduced accordingly. Moreover, it is also recommended to practitioners
to focus more on this area of research so that prevailing constraints can be identified
(Wild and et.al., 2016). At the same time, new provisions shall also be adopted typically
in the case when health care level of stress increases in the patients to a greater extent.
While conducting the study, it became clear that present research investigation involved
different aspects which affects the mental and physical domain of people.
In addition to the same, it can also be said that PTSD increases mental burden in
a person; hence there should be appropriate consideration on this facet. Stress is a
major disorder that changes the physical and mental status of the person and it also
leads to other constraints which needs to be suitably managed (Sørensen, Andersen,
Karstoft and Madsen, 2016). The research work will be carried out within the specific
time limit and it will also help other practitioners to get knowledge about all the domains
associated with PTSD.
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REFERENCES
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Health Stud. 2. pp.1.
Bromet, E. J. and et.al., 2017. Post-traumatic stress disorder associated with natural
and human-made disasters in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychological
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Fink, D. S. and et.al., 2016. Incidence of and risk for post-traumatic stress disorder and
depression in a representative sample of US Reserve and National
Guard. Annals of epidemiology. 26(3). pp.189-197.
Grupe, D. W., Wielgosz, J., Davidson, R. J. and Nitschke, J. B., 2016. Neurobiological
correlates of distinct post-traumatic stress disorder symptom profiles during
threat anticipation in combat veterans. Psychological medicine. 46(09). pp.1885-
1895.
Howlett, J. R. and Stein, M. B., 2016. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Khusid, M. A. and Vythilingam, M., 2016. The emerging role of mindfulness meditation
as effective self-management strategy, Part 1: clinical implications for
depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. Military
medicine. 181(9). pp.961-968.
Prakash, J., Saha, A., Das, R. C., Srivastava, K. and Shashikumar, R., 2016. Post
traumatic stress disorder. medical journal armed forces india. 72(2). pp.189-191.
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Sørensen, H. J., Andersen, S. B., Karstoft, K. I. and Madsen, T., 2016. The influence of
pre-deployment cognitive ability on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and
trajectories: The Danish USPER follow-up study of Afghanistan veterans. Journal
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Wild, J. and et.al., 2016. A prospective study of pre-trauma risk factors for post-
traumatic stress disorder and depression. Psychological medicine. 46(12).
pp.2571-2582.
Zuckerman, A. and et.al., 2017. Controlled Low-Pressure Blast-Wave Exposure Causes
Distinct Behavioral and Morphological Responses Modelling Mild Traumatic
Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Comorbid Mild Traumatic Brain
Injury–Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of neurotrauma. 34(1). pp.145-
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