Psy270 Checkpoint Stress Disorders

PSY270 CheckPoint Stress Disorders

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Axia College Material

Appendix D

Psychological and Psychophysiological Stress Disorders

Respond to the following:

1. Stress can be the root cause of psychological disorders. Name four symptoms shared by acute and posttraumatic stress disorders.

Re-experiencing the traumatic event

Avoidance

Reduced responsiveness

Increased arousal, anxiety, and guilt

2. What life events are most likely to trigger a stress disorder?

• The most common are:

• Combat

• Disasters

• Abuse and Victimization

3. Traumatic events do not always result in a diagnosable psychological disorder. What factors determine how a person may be affected by one such event?

• Biological and Genetic Factors

• Personality

• Childhood Experiences

• Social Support

• Severity of Trauma

4. What are the four stages in meeting the psychological needs of disaster victims?

1. Normalize people’s responses to the disaster.

2. Encourage expressions of anxiety, anger, and frustration.

3. Teach self-helping skills.

4. Provide referrals.

5. What is the link between personality styles and heart disease?

Studies have linked spirituality to better immune system functioning.

Studies show that a general sense of hopelessness is linked to heart disease.

6. List and briefly describe four psychological treatments for physical disorders.

Relaxation Training

Through relaxing techniques, a person can learn to relax muscles at will to reduce feelings of anxiety often in combination with medication.

Meditation

An old ancient practice, we can use meditation to relieve physical stress by turning concentration inward achieving a changed state of consciousness and ignoring stressors. This can help you feel more peaceful.

Cognitive Interventions

Being taught new attitudes or cognitive responses toward their ailments by...