Exploring Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

This week, we move into an exploration of the next “family” of disorders; Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma. In past versions of the DSM, OCD, and PTSD were grouped under the umbrella of Anxiety Disorders. This is no longer the case in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 now has three different categories for these disorders; Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders. This separation of the categories is for clinical reasons regarding the disorders themselves, as well as for reasons regarding prevalence, incidence, etc. This week, we move into an exploration of the next “family” of disorders; Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma. In past versions of the DSM, OCD, and PTSD were grouped under the umbrella of Anxiety Disorders. This is no longer the case in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 now has three different categories for these disorders; Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders. This separation of the categories is for clinical reasons regarding the disorders themselves, as well as for reasons regarding prevalence, incidence, etc.
So, anxiety is no longer clinically conceptualized as being the same as OCD or Trauma. Meaning that trauma-related disorders are no longer seen as being the same as anxiety. That is, trauma is not clinically the same as anxiety. This has significant implications for treatment, as well as for a clinical awareness that people with PTSD are not “worried” the way that people with anxiety are; the experience of trauma is quite different than the experience of anxiety. The changes to the DSM 5 reflect this awareness. So, anxiety is no longer clinically conceptualized as being the same as OCD or Trauma. Meaning that trauma-related disorders are no longer seen as being the same as anxiety. That is, trauma is not clinically the same as anxiety. This has significant implications for treatment, as well as for a clinical awareness that people with PTSD are not “worried” the way that people with anxiety are; the experience of trauma is quite different than the experience of anxiety. The changes to the DSM 5 reflect this awareness.
Using the readings and PowerPoint, answer the following: Using the readings and PowerPoint, answer the following:
1. If the DSM 5 separated OCD-related disorders and trauma-related disorders from anxiety disorders, presumably there was a reason. What was the reason? How are OCD and related disorders, and trauma-related disorders different from anxiety disorders? (Hint: try to complete this sentence: anxiety is about the, while trauma is about the. You can find the answer in the PPT.) What do Stein et al 2014 have to say about the distinction between the disorders? 1. If the DSM 5 separated OCD-related disorders and trauma-related disorders from anxiety disorders, presumably there was a reason. What was the reason? How are OCD and related disorders, and trauma-related disorders different from anxiety disorders? (Hint: try to complete this sentence: anxiety is about the, while trauma is about the. You can find the answer in the PPT.) What do Stein et al 2014 have to say about the distinction between the disorders?
2. Using the Zoladz article and the PowerPoint, explain the 5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Name each criterion and explain it. What does Zoladz report regarding risk factors for PTSD? 2. Using the Zoladz article and the PowerPoint, explain the 5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Name each criterion and explain it. What does Zoladz report regarding risk factors for PTSD?
3. What do we know about any linkage between PTSD and violence? Is there one? What data does available research provide? Use the Barrett et al reading regarding PTSD, SUD, and violence, as well as the VA.gov weblinks. Is the research contradictory? What does the research tell us about those with PTSD who also have a comorbid SUD dual diagnosis? 3. What do we know about any linkage between PTSD and violence? Is there one? What data does available research provide? Use the Barrett et al reading regarding PTSD, SUD, and violence, as well as the VA.gov weblinks. Is the research contradictory? What does the research tell us about those with PTSD who also have a comorbid SUD dual diagnosis?
Materials needed:
All readings are attached below. Two of the readings I could not attach I downloaded as a screenshot

HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)

This week’s exploration of Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma disorders highlights the significant changes that occurred in the DSM-5 regarding their classification. In past versions, these disorders were grouped under Anxiety Disorders, but the DSM-5 now separates them into Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders for clinical reasons and prevalence.

The distinction between anxiety and trauma-related disorders is essential for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Anxiety is about the fear of future events, while trauma is about past events that were experienced as terrifying, life-threatening, or harmful. The experience of trauma is quite different from anxiety, and people with PTSD are not “worried” the way that people with anxiety are. Stein et al. (2014) note that this distinction is critical in terms of diagnostic criteria, symptom presentation, and treatment approaches.

The Zoladz article outlines the five diagnostic criteria for PTSD, which are: (1) exposure to a traumatic event, (2) intrusion symptoms, (3) avoidance symptoms, (4) negative alterations in cognition and mood, and (5) alterations in arousal and reactivity. Zoladz also reports that there are various risk factors for PTSD, including the type and intensity of the traumatic event, genetic predisposition, and prior exposure to trauma.

Regarding the link between PTSD and violence, research suggests that there is a correlation, but it is not always straightforward. The Barrett et al. reading explores the comorbidity of PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) about violence. The VA.gov weblinks also provide further information. The research on this topic is not contradictory but suggests that those with PTSD and a comorbid SUD dual diagnosis are more prone to violence than those with PTSD only. Additionally, PTSD and SUD dual-diagnosis individuals are at a higher risk of legal involvement and criminal activity.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between Anxiety, OCD, and Trauma disorders is crucial for clinical diagnosis and treatment. The DSM-5’s separation of these disorders reflects a better understanding of their clinical presentation and prevalence. PTSD diagnosis criteria and risk factors are essential to consider when working with individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Finally, the research indicates a correlation between PTSD and violence, particularly for those with a comorbid SUD dual diagnosis.