Diagnostic algorithm for post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that develops as a result of a powerful psycho-traumatic effect of a threatening or catastrophic nature, accompanied by extreme stress, the main clinical manifestations are repeated experiences of elements of a traumatic event in a “here and now” situation in the form of flashbacks, recurring dreams and nightmares, which accompanied more often by anxiety and panic, but possibly also by anger, anger, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, a desire to avoid internal and external stimuli that resemble or are associated with the stressor. PTSD tends to form personality disorders, is characterized by a high prevalence of comorbidity and severe social consequences. Improving diagnostic algorithms is an important component of care provided to patients with PTSD due to the need for accurate differentiation and verification of disorders, as well as the development and improvement of personalized methods of therapy. Based on a review of domestic and foreign literature, the article highlights topical issues of PTSD classification, provides a diagnostic algorithm in the context of an interdisciplinary approach. The importance and complexity of a personalized examination are noted, the main stages, methods and diagnostic tools necessary for the clinical verification of PTSD are considered. The necessity of involving medical psychologists in professional teams to participate in the implementation of treatment and diagnostic measures in order to determine the individual psychological characteristics of the patient that are preserved and impaired due to the disease, to identify targets for psychotherapeutic effects, and to objectify the dynamics of therapeutic measures, is considered.