{"id":5335,"date":"2020-06-16T14:23:28","date_gmt":"2020-06-16T14:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.integrativehealthcare.org\/mt\/?p=5335"},"modified":"2024-03-22T17:03:58","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T17:03:58","slug":"being-aware-of-client-ptsd-acquisition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.integrativehealthcare.org\/mt\/being-aware-of-client-ptsd-acquisition\/","title":{"rendered":"Being Aware of Client PTSD Acquisition"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 5 published in 2013 defines diagnostic measures for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This article will explore these measures in how our massage clientele have acquired such measures during the time frame of March-May 2020. Also, massage recommendations will be offered to aid PTSD clients.<\/p>\n

4 Primary Measures for PTSD Diagnosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to DSM-5, there are four primary measures for PTSD diagnosis (1<\/a>). These criteria apply to adults, adolescents, and children older than six years of age.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).<\/li>\n
  2. Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.<\/li>\n
  3. Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threated death of a family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.<\/li>\n
  4. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Take a moment to consider the average person\u2019s level of exposure to traumatic events during the March-May 2020 time frame. With the constant flood of information from social media and news outlets, the average person faced potentially constant exposure to news which gripped the nation in fear.<\/p>\n

    All media outlets have engaged us myopically for several months upon COVID-19. Understandably so as this viral condition is novel, meaning scientists do not fully understand this coronavirus to the extent of other coronaviruses. Being fixated upon the latest developments and findings can leave the average person dazed and confused, especially with no prior anatomy or pathology study.<\/p>\n

    The Physical and Mental Tolls<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While social distancing and self-quarantines have progressed, every client has experienced this time of trial differently. Physically, many people have become unhealthy as movement and activity were greatly diminished. This resulted in poor lymphatic system operation and waning immunity.<\/p>\n

    Our body\u2019s lymphatic system is our waste management system. Working congruently with our immune system, if waste cannot be processed and eliminated, the body will retain metabolic waste within adipose and connective tissue matrix. This waste retention will make clients feel fatigue, lethargy, sore, achy and malaise.<\/p>\n

    Mentally, without healthy lymphatic movement and immunity many people will experience \u201cbrain fog,\u201d a condition featuring lack of focus or memory and clients indicating they feel they cannot think properly. Metabolic waste retention can accumulate within the brain accelerating the brain\u2019s aging processes.<\/p>\n

    The physical and mental tolls can discombobulate a person emotionally. As our brains attempt to process and comprehend current events, emotional ease has been challenged in many people. People already diagnosed with PTSD may easily be tested emotionally. Many others may have developed PTSD unbeknownst due to the steady stream of traumatic exposure to the negative news.<\/p>\n

    According to Loud Cloud Health<\/a> (2<\/a>), in 2019, over 8 million Americans are living with PTSD annually. Studies of veterans report between 15-20% of returning war veterans were diagnosed with PTSD. First responders and police officers report 20-30% of PTSD acquisition.<\/p>\n

    As we listen actively to our clients, remember that there are varying levels of PTSD. The DSM-5 distinguishes Normal Stress Response (the patient experiences a single traumatic event and recovers quickly) and Acute Stress Disorder (the patient experiences panic attacks, insomnia, paranoia and self-care wanes, as separate conditions from PTSD).<\/p>\n

    3 Levels of PTSD<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The three levels of PTSD as presented by DSM-5 are:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Uncomplicated PTSD<\/strong> \u2013 Patient experiences same\/similar trauma repeatedly. Emotional numbing and\/or symptoms of increased arousal arise.<\/li>\n
    2. Comorbid PTSD<\/strong> \u2013 Patient experiences same\/similar trauma repeatedly. Depression, substance\/alcohol abuse, panic and anxiety attacks present.<\/li>\n
    3. Complex PTSD<\/strong> \u2013 Patient experiences prolonged traumatic circumstances. Behavioral challenges, self-destructive behaviors, disassociation, manic behaviors, cognitive breakdowns and shut-downs present.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      11 Signs and Symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Here are classic signs and symptoms of PTSD. According to DSM-5, these manifestations need to be present for at least one month and disrupt normal daily living for a PTSD diagnosis.<\/p>\n

      As you survey this list, consider if you know anyone experiencing these symptoms:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Flashbacks of events<\/li>\n
      2. Nightmares or disturbing thoughts<\/li>\n
      3. Severe anxiety and\/or panic attacks<\/li>\n
      4. Distressing memories<\/li>\n
      5. Severe emotional distress<\/li>\n
      6. Severe physical reactions<\/li>\n
      7. Avoiding places (being in public)<\/li>\n
      8. Feeling emotionally numb<\/li>\n
      9. Feeling hopelessness<\/li>\n
      10. Negative feelings about one\u2019s self and\/or others<\/li>\n
      11. Obsessive compulsive disorder<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Complications such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcohol\/drug abuse and suicidal tendencies may arise if PTSD progresses. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, is a resource one can be provided if suicidal tendencies present. In addition, the QPR Institute is an excellent online resource<\/a> to provide anyone willing to complete online training on suicide prevention.<\/p>\n

        Medications for PTSD<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Common medications administered to PTSD patients include the following:<\/p>\n