Three months after coming from war a nurse is re-experiencing images of stressful events, insomnia and depression. She is suffering from which of the following?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Rationale:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, insomnia, hyperarousal, and depression.
In the case of the nurse, symptoms such as re-experiencing stressful images, insomnia, and depression three months after returning from war strongly indicate PTSD. PTSD symptoms typically last for more than a month and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.
PTSD is often associated with individuals who have endured life-threatening events, such as combat, natural disasters, severe accidents, or personal assaults. Veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers in high-stress environments are particularly susceptible to this condition.

Additional Information:

PTSD is classified as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).
Treatment options for PTSD include psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), medications (like antidepressants), and support groups to help individuals process their trauma and cope with symptoms.
It is important to recognize PTSD early and seek professional help to prevent worsening symptoms and improve recovery outcomes.

Explanation of Other Options:

Acute Stress Reaction

Rationale: Acute stress reaction occurs immediately after a traumatic event and typically resolves within days to weeks. It does not persist for months as in the case of PTSD. The nurse's symptoms appearing three months after the traumatic event make this diagnosis unlikely.

Adjustment Disorder

Rationale: Adjustment disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a significant life event or stressor, but the symptoms are less severe than PTSD and do not include re-experiencing intrusive memories or flashbacks. The nurse's symptoms go beyond the scope of an adjustment disorder.

Somatic Disorder

Rationale: Somatic disorder is characterized by excessive focus on physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, that cause significant distress. It does not involve the re-experiencing of traumatic events, insomnia, or depression as seen in the nurse's case.

Conclusion:

The nurse's symptoms of re-experiencing traumatic events, insomnia, and depression three months after returning from war are consistent with PTSD. While other options describe different stress-related conditions, they do not fully account for the symptoms and timeline observed in this case.