Evaluation of Diagnostic Matrices for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Research Paper Example

This paper will look at these methods and compare different articles and sources to look at these methods as well as new researches that are being conducted on PTSD.Post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is defined as “an anxiety disorder precipitated by a traumatic event and characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance and numbing, and hyper-arousal” (Tolin, D. Foa, E. 2008). PTSD can be experienced at any age and does not focus on a certain age group or gender. It has many causes such as Natural disaster, conflict, rape, assault and other similar events.

PTSD has been seen in history for a very long time, it has been observed in such events as the gulf war, the Vietnam War and other battles. The national center for PTSD (2007) likens or relates PTSD to gulf war illness and provides information on some treatments or suggestions that may help a person who suspects himself of herself to have gulf war illness. PTSD has also been called by many names, most notable among these terms, according to Dr. Matthew Friedman (1998); include Shell shock and Soldier’s heart.

Their article on this topic state that, although PTSD is a relatively new diagnosis, it has been around for a long time and was merely known by many different names. One more bit of information that must be noted is that the terms Post traumatic stress syndrome and PTSD are very new. According to Gregory Bayse (1998), PTSD was officially recognized only in 1980, but until then. It was known by many names, including some of the ones mentioned above. . It was known by many names, including some of the ones mentioned above.

Simply put, PSTD, also known as dissociative disorder can occur in some people after certain events. This may trigger them to feel certain kinds of mental or emotional strain when they are reminded of the event. According to The U.S. National Library of Medicine, PTSD’s symptoms include, but are not limited to avoidance, arousal or heightened alertness, reliving the event that caused the trauma, lack of interest in things that normally interest you, trouble sleeping, and others. After PTSD has been confirmed of determined in a person, some of the treatments and interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, medication, grounding techniques, stress management, group therapy, helping the client cope with stress and emotions, promoting self-esteem, and promoting client safety.

There are some sources, such as The U.S. National Library of Medicine, that say that PTSD cannot be tested or diagnosed, and that the diagnosis of PSTD is made based on the symptoms. Bradley Grinage (2003) provides us information that identifying the event that caused the trauma is a big step, but it is not enough. There are other criteria that are needed in order to determine or diagnose Post traumatic stress disorder. These diagnosis, test, and determination methods are the product or constant evaluation, criticism, success and improvement.

These methods have been tailor fitted and sharpened to correctly assess people with PTSD and determine the next course of action. This process has evolved from older methods of determination. The goal of this paper is to look at the diagnostic methods of determining PTSD, both old and recent, and assess them in such a manner as to determine their effectiveness,