This diploma thesis focuses on posttraumatic stress disorder and the related psychosomatic conditions looking into the diversity of somatic responses to stress factors or a traumatic event. In the opening part, trauma processing mechanism is described as well as clinical changes in the brain after an unprocessed traumatic event. The following chapters describe therapy options in case of an existing posttraumatic stress disorder, accepting the traumatic event as part of a closed personal history and creating an added value in the form of higher resistance. The closing theoretic part deals with psychosomatic medicine. The practical part inquires into knowledge of students of the teaching and medical study programmes regarding posttraumatic stress disorder and compares the individual groups. The survey results discover surprising gaps in the professional knowledge of future physicians and teachers. By comparing the related data, a recommendation is being made that students' knowledge has to be broadened in this respect. KEY WORDS psychic traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychosomatic medicine

Prior research has pointed to an association between a history of traumatic events and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. The objective of this study was to further investigate the relationship between trauma and PMS among female veterans, a population with high rates of sexual and physical abuse, as well as combat-related exposures. We conducted a case-control study of 502 women veterans under the age of 52 who were associated with the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Trauma history, gynecological health, mental health (including posttraumatic stress disorder), and other variables were obtained through telephone interview. Cases were women who had moderate to severe PMS as defined by validated criteria and controls were women without PMS. The prevalence of PMS was 14.3%. Thirty-three percent of subjects reported a completed sexual assault, 29% a combat-related trauma, and 86% a non-combat related trauma. Factors significantly associated with PMS (p<0.05) in the univariate analysis were: attempted, completed, and number of rapes during a woman's lifetime; rape before age 18; rape during military service; childhood sexual abuse; and number of non-combat related traumas. Childhood physical abuse and combat-related trauma were not associated with PMS in univariate analyses. In our final multivariate model, lifetime completed sexual assault was associated with PMS (odds ratio =2.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-4.40). Findings from this study among female veterans indicate that a history of trauma, particularly sexual trauma, is associated with moderate to severe PMS. Further study is warranted to confirm temporal relationships and causal mechanisms.

Posttrauamtic stress disorder can be devastating to those affected by it. Many times it can limit the affected person in his/her daily routins. Equine asssited therapy is an up rising treatment but still there are not enough evidence based research or studies that can confirm its efficacy. There are a lot of different programs with Equine therapy for people with PTSD in the US but it is also used as treatment for other forms of mental illness. The purpose of this litterature study was to obtain knowledge about how efficient Equine therapy as a treatment is for people with PTSD and PTSD related symptoms as a treatment and anxiety. The method to this study is a litterature study that I based on 9 articles. The result showed that Equine therapy may be efficient for peopple with PTSD although some studies were not able to connect scientifically the evidence that the equine therapy in itself was the reason for deacrasing symptoms in PTSD. The conclusion is that after looking in to the studys is that we need more research in the area.

Recent trauma research argues trauma results in distinct positive and negative consequences, however; many trauma variables positively correlate with both outcomes. This study examined posttraumatic growth (PTG) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as positive and negative trauma outcomes. Behavioral, cognitive, and demographic correlates and predictors were assessed to help clarify differences between the two outcomes. While several behavioral factors were common to both PTG and PTSD symptoms, centrality of event and problem focused coping were the strongest PTG predictors, whereas centrality of event and avoidant coping were the strongest PTSD predictors. These findings indicate while greater incorporation of a trauma/stressful event into one’s identity is a key component of both PTG and PTSD development, behavioral response may be a determining factor between growth or debilitation.

Crime scene examiners (CSEs) spend long hours at traumatic crime scenes, and interact closely with various elements of crime scenes. The topic has only recently attracted international research interest, and in the South African context the offering is meagre. The study set out to determine the profile of Southern Gauteng CSEs; to establish the scope of their tasks and responsibilities; to ascertain their trauma levels in relation to traumatic crime scenes and autopsies; to identify the specific coping strategies they use; to determine their context-specific experiences of job-related stress and trauma; and to ascertain the measure to which they experience contentedness within their workplace and their views on both briefing and debriefing. In pursuit of the objectives of the study, the research paradigm was rooted in positivism. Consequently, a quantitative approach was adopted and a cross-sectional design was employed. Through convenience sampling, 103 respondents were recruited from all eight Local Criminal Record Centres (LCRCs) in Southern Gauteng. The data gathering instrument was a paper-based, self-administered structured questionnaire, which included two standardised measuring instruments for trauma levels and coping strategies respectively. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests indicated that non-parametric statistical procedures were required. Using the Mann Whitney U test, bivariate analysis allowed for testing the relationships between variables. The findings demonstrate that male CSEs outnumber female CSEs by approximately 3:1. CSEs attend violent crime scenes with striking regularity, but autopsies less frequently. Significant proportions of CSEs are routinely required to both take photographs of crime scenes and compile photo albums. A sizeable number of CSEs present with concerning levels of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomology. The coping strategy adopted by majority of respondents is acceptance. Although attended less frequently, crime scenes involving deceased children are experienced as very distressing. A large proportion of CSEs are hesitant to access debriefing services, for numerous reasons, despite feeling the need to talk to someone about their work. The trauma experienced by CSEs is unique compared with other policing units. Therefore, it is recommended that trauma interventions should be responsive to their needs. Lastly, the CSEs who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions seem to be at significant risk, and thus they should receive special attention in future interventions. Keywords: crime scene examiner, Local Criminal Record Centres, trauma, traumatic event, crime scene, traumatic crime scene, emotional stress, coping strategy, autopsy, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Southern Gauteng. / Dissertation (MA (Criminology))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Social Work and Criminology / MA (Criminology) / Restricted

Background: Most of the neurocognitive research in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) thus far focused on impairment in learning and memory, neglecting the impact of PTSD on executive functioning processes. Therefore, this study specifically aims to investigate the impact of PTSD on frontal lobe executive functioning. Given the high prevalence rate for traumatic event exposure in South Africa, this study provides important findings on the role intact executive functioning plays in all areas of daily functioning, including the maintenance of good mental and physical health. Methods: Executive functions were assessed using an Executive Functioning Battery consisting of the three subtests of the Delis Kaplan Executive Functioning System (e.g., Trail Making Test, Colour-Word Interference Test, and Tower Test), as well as the Executive Functioning Index. The study sample consisted of 88 adult South African citizens who were divided into two groups (PTSD+; n = 44; PTSD–; n = 44) with different levels of trauma exposure. Results: PTSD was linked with impairment in executive functioning domains such as attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory, and planning. Important gender differences were also reported in terms of empathy and organisation. In addition, education also appeared to affect frontal lobe executive functioning differently. Conclusions: The data suggest that overall, PTSD impaired executive functioning processes. It is therefore critical that assessment of executive functioning form part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals diagnosed with PTSD. / Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / Western Cape has the highest prevalence rates of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) with prevalence rates of 18.5%, versus the national average of 13.3%. Existing studies have emphasised that SUD is associated with exposure to trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, demographic factors such as gender, race and socio-economic status have been correlated with SUD. However, limited research exists on the correlates of SUD among inpatients at substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in the Western Cape Province. The study aimed to address this gap in the literature by investigating the correlates of SUD among inpatients at SUD rehabilitation treatment facilities.

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This research explores the beliefs and behaviour of individuals who have suffered a traumatic experience, specifically the violent crimes of assault, motor vehicle hijackings and armed robbery. The researcher focuses on the occurrence of residual, subclinical symptoms of PTSD that individuals experience subsequent to the specified violent crimes. By identifying and describing trends in commonalities that exist between research participants’ accounts of such residual, subclinical symptoms the research aims to explore and describe these trends, enabling a common understanding and awareness of the longstanding effects that these experiences have on individuals. The qualitative research design allowed for an exploration aimed at understanding the meaning that individuals ascribe to specific events. Three case studies were examined. The researcher ensured the exclusion of individuals who met the criteria for PTSD by making use of the PCL-S. From this approach a thematic analysis was done using the transcriptions of audiotaped interviews with the participants. The three participants chosen for the study were aged twenty-nine (29), thirty (30) and thirty-one (31) independently. Two of the participants experienced an armed robbery, which were, independently, followed by non-violent crime of housebreaking and theft. A third participant experienced an armed robbery during her early childhood, and an additional crime of aggravated robbery in adulthood. The studied violent crimes had taken place between one year eleven months and six years prior to this study. None of the participants have received therapy following their traumatic experience. Five important findings were identified and discussed. Firstly, some individuals still meet the requirements for a diagnosis of PTSD, even years following their experiences with traumatic events. Secondly, following the experience of a violent crime some individual’s core cognitive schemas regarding themselves, their world and their relationships undergo various changes. Thirdly, some individuals experience numerous posttraumatic symptoms, which are not extensive enough to validate the diagnosis of PTSD, but that affect the individual’s life on a regular basis. Nine symptoms were identified in this study. Fourthly, some individuals may experience additional effects following exposure to violent crimes, e.g. physical illness, that is not classified as posttraumatic symptoms. Fifthly, a few individuals who have been the victim of more than one crime may experience cumulative or diminished effects when one explores the overall effects of revictimisation. Results also indicated that individuals may experiences similar posttraumatic symptoms, but that the presentation of these symptoms are unique and are influenced by an individual’s history, cognitive schemas and the characteristics of the crimes that they have experienced. Finally, these findings explored and described the phenomenon of partial posttraumatic stress disorder in order to expand the understanding of this occurrence. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

About 4 % women in general population and up to 19 % women in at-risk population suffer from PTSD related to childbirth. The main risk factors for postpartum PTSD are negative birth experience and obstetric emergencies. However, the findings about risk factors and prevalence rates vary across studies, which is mainly due to the inconsistency in the diagnostics of postpartum PTSD. Researchers use various PTSD measures that differ in the number and type of symptoms monitored and many of these measures do not cover all DSM criteria for PTSD. Furthermore, the PTSD diagnostic criteria have been significantly modified in the new DSM-5 and the existing instruments need to be revised. The first part of the thesis presents the concept of PTSD related to childbirth. Special attention is paid to the risk factors identified in previous research and to the analysis of PTSD diagnostic and screening measures used in the postpartum context. The aim of the second part of the thesis is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the unpublished Childbirth-Related PTSD Questionnaire on a sample of 620 Czech women. The factor validity of the scale, the internal consistency of the total scale and the subscales resulting from the factor analysis; and the criterion validity of the instrument are verified. With regard to...