Disorders resulting from trauma are significantly different from other psychiatric-mental
health issues. Unlike disorders such as schizophrenia or major depressive disorder,
trauma-related disorders do not occur randomly in the population. Instead, trauma is something that occurs as a result of the lived experience of a traumatic event.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2017), more than half of the
population will experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. Although most people
will recover from the trauma on their own, some require therapeutic interventions. While
there are medications that can help individuals with trauma and posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), the foundation of treatment continues to be psychotherapy.
This week, you explore psychotherapy for trauma by assessing a case presentation for
clients presenting with posttraumatic stress disorder. You also examine therapies for
treating these clients and consider potential outcomes.
Reference: National Institute of Mental Health. (2017). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.shtml
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD
Apply assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills to clients presenting with
posttraumatic stress disorder
Recommend therapeutic approaches for treating clients presenting with
posttraumatic stress disorder
Analyze the importance of using evidence-based psychotherapy treatments for
clients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Assignment: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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.
The Assignment
Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the following:
Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.
Discuss the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and relate these criteria to the
symptomology presented in the case study. Does the video case presentation
provide sufficient information to derive a PTSD diagnosis? Justify your reasoning.
Do you agree with the other diagnoses in the case presentation? Why or why
not?
Discuss one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case
study. Explain whether your treatment option is considered a “gold standard
treatment” from a clinical practice guideline perspective, and why using gold
standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is
important for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
Support your Assignment with specific examples from this week’s media and at least
three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting
sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.
RESOURCE
Presentation example video
RUBRIC
Excellent
90%–100%
Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the
following: • Briefly explain the
neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.
14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
The response includes an accurate
and concise explanation of the
neurobiological basis for PTSD
illness.
Discuss the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for
PTSD and relate these criteria to the
symptomology presented in the case
study. Does the video case presentation
provide sufficient information to derive a
PTSD diagnosis? Justify your reasoning.
Do you agree with the other diagnoses in
23 (23%) – 25 (25%)
The response includes an accurate
and concise description of the DSM-
5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and an
accurate explanation of how they
relate to the symptomology
the case presentation? Why or why not? presented in the case study.
The response includes a concise
explanation of whether the case
provides sufficient information to
derive the PTSD and other
diagnoses. Justification
demonstrates strong diagnostic
reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Discuss one other psychotherapy
treatment option for the client in this case
study. Explain whether your treatment
option is considered a “gold standard”
treatment from a clinical practice
guideline perspective, and why using
gold standard, evidence-based
treatments from clinical practice
guidelines is important for psychiatric-
mental health nurse practitioners.
27 (27%) – 30 (30%)
The response includes an accurate
and concise explanation of one
other psychotherapy treatment
option for the client in this case
study.
The response clearly and concisely
explains whether the recommended
treatment option is a “gold
standard” treatment and why using
gold standard, evidence-based
treatments from clinical practice
guidelines is important for PMHNPs.
Support your approach with specific
examples from this week’s media and at
least three peer-reviewed, evidence-
based sources. PDFs are attached.
14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
The response is supported by
specific examples from this week’s
media and at least three peer-
reviewed, evidence-based sources
from the literature that provide
strong support for the rationale
provided. PDFs are attached.
Written Expression and Formatting –
Paragraph Development and
Organization: Paragraphs make clear
points that support well-developed ideas,
flow logically, and demonstrate
continuity of ideas. Sentences are
carefully focused—neither long and
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow
writing standards for flow,
continuity, and clarity.
rambling nor short and lacking
substance. A clear and comprehensive
purpose statement and introduction is
provided which delineates all required
criteria.
A clear and comprehensive purpose
statement, introduction, and
conclusion are provided that
delineates all required criteria.
Written Expression and Formatting –
English writing standards: Correct
grammar, mechanics, and proper
punctuation
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and
punctuation with no errors.
Written Expression and Formatting – The
paper follows correct APA format for title
page, headings, font, spacing, margins,
indentations, page numbers,
parenthetical/in-text citations, and
reference list.
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no
errors.
