**Concept Map Template**
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**Primary Diagnosis:** Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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**1. Describe the pathophysiology of the primary diagnosis in your own words. What are the patient’s risk factors for this diagnosis?**
**Pathophysiology of Primary Diagnosis:**
PTSD is a mental health condition that arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It involves an abnormal and prolonged stress response, where the brain continues to perceive danger even after the threat has passed. The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are key brain areas involved. The amygdala, which processes emotions and threats, becomes overactive, while the hippocampus, responsible for memory, and the prefrontal cortex, involved in executive function and regulation, can become underactive. This imbalance results in heightened anxiety, intrusive memories, and impaired regulation of emotions.
**Causes:**
– Exposure to traumatic events such as violence, natural disasters, accidents, or combat
– Childhood abuse or neglect
– Severe or prolonged stress
**Risk Factors:**
– **Genetic:** Family history of mental health disorders
– **Ethnic:** Certain minority groups may have higher exposure to traumatic events and less access to mental health resources
– **Physical:** Pre-existing mental health conditions, lack of social support, substance abuse
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**2. What are the patient’s signs and symptoms for this diagnosis? How does the diagnosis impact other body systems and what are the possible complications?**
**Signs and Symptoms – Common Presentation:**
– Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
– Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
– Negative changes in thinking and mood, including feelings of guilt or detachment
– Changes in physical and emotional reactions, such as being easily startled or experiencing outbursts of anger
**Impact on Body Systems and Complications:**
– **Nervous System:** Increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse
– **Cardiovascular System:** Higher risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke due to chronic stress
– **Endocrine System:** Disruption of cortisol levels leading to potential metabolic issues
– **Immune System:** Weakened immune response due to prolonged stress
– **Digestive System:** Gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can arise
**Complications:**
– Severe depression and anxiety
– Substance abuse disorders
– Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
– Interpersonal and occupational difficulties
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**3. What are other potential diagnoses that present in a similar way to this diagnosis (differentials)?**
– Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
– Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
– Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
– Panic Disorder
– Adjustment Disorders
– Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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**4. What diagnostic tests or labs would you order to rule out the differentials for this patient or confirm the primary diagnosis?**
– **Psychiatric Evaluation:** Comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional
– **Trauma History:** Detailed patient history focusing on trauma exposure and symptom onset
– **Standardized Screening Tools:** PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
– **Blood Tests:** To rule out other conditions such as thyroid disorders that can mimic psychiatric symptoms
– **Imaging Studies:** MRI or CT scan if neurological issues are suspected
– **Substance Use Screening:** Urine or blood tests to detect substance abuse
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**5. What treatment options would you consider? Include possible referrals and medications.**
**Treatment Options:**
– **Psychotherapy:**
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
– Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
– Trauma-focused therapy
– **Medications:**
– Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline or paroxetine
– Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine
– Prazosin for nightmares
– Anti-anxiety medications for short-term use
– **Referrals:**
– Psychologist or psychiatrist for specialized mental health treatment
– Support groups or peer support networks
– Social worker for assistance with social and occupational issues
– Primary care physician for ongoing medical management and monitoring
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**Note:** This template serves as a guide for structuring the concept map and should be adjusted based on the specific details and requirements of the case study.
Concept Map Template
Primary Diagnosis: ___________________________________________________________
1. Describe the pathophysiology of the primary diagnosis in your own words. What are the patient’s risk factors for this diagnosis?
| Pathophysiology of Primary Diagnosis | |
| Causes | Risk Factors (genetic/ethnic/physical) |
2. What are the patient’s signs and symptoms for this diagnosis? How does the diagnosis impact other body systems and what are the possible complications?
| Signs and Symptoms – Common presentation | How does the diagnosis impact each body system? Complications? |
3. What are other potential diagnosis that present in a similar way to this diagnosis (differentials)?
4. What diagnostic tests or labs would you order to rule out the differentials for this patient or confirm the primary diagnosis?
5. What treatment options would you consider? Include possible referrals and medications.
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