The similarities and differences between ASD and PTSD

Week 5 Discussion: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Intervention

The similarities and differences between ASD and PTSD: Imagine the survivors of a home invasion. Feelings of terror and helplessness that shake the very foundation of personal security are the result when strangers enter the home with the intent and will to do harm. Some survivors may resolve these immediate feelings of helplessness by acquiring a handgun, pepper spray, or watchdogs, or by taking self-defense courses. During, or for a short time immediately following the invasion, some people may experience the onset of acute stress disorder (ASD) exhibited in racing hearts, bouts of insomnia, and feelings of panic at the sound of footsteps approaching the front door. Others may be so traumatized that they never look at their home in the same way or feel as safe no matter how many locks are on the doors or how state-of-the-art their alarm system may be. When the latter individuals experience a delayed onset of physiological response to trauma that is persistent over the long term, their condition is described as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This tragic scenario is just one example of a traumatic event that could lead to severe but short-lived stress or a prolonged stress response that disrupts the lives of the survivors long after the event is over.

The similarities and differences between ASD and PTSD Rubric:

For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources including the “Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” handout. Reflect on the similarities and differences between ASD and PTSD. Then consider that you have been asked to prepare a pre-deployment PTSD prevention workshop for military health service workers. Consider intervention techniques you might recommend to prevent the development of PTSD in this population.

Description

Mrs. Rivera, your neighbor and friend, often confides in you regarding her 6-year-old step son Cody’s behavioral and academic challenges. She told you that he was previously diagnosed with ADHD and ASD by his pediatrician.

You have learned about the similarities and differences between ADHD and ASD and want to share what you have learned with Mrs. Rivera when she visits next week. You are also excited to have explored the historical foundations of each disorder, and would like to share that as well.

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Similarities and Differences Between ADHD and ASD Sample Essay

For this assignment, prepare a handout for Mrs. Rivera that briefly describes the historical backgrounds of both diagnoses. Then, create a diagram, chart, drawing, or other self-created graphic that can demonstrate to her the differences and similarities of both disorders in terms of their associated symptom presentations. Summarize that diagram to help her understand the distinctions between ADHD and ASD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which are pervasive, impairing, and otherwise age inappropriate.[1][2][3][4][5] Some individuals with ADHD also display difficulty regulating emotions, or problems with executive function. For a diagnosis, the symptoms have to be present for more than six months, and cause problems in at least two settings (such as school, home, work, or recreational activities). In children, problems paying attention may result in poor school performance. Additionally, it is associated with other mental disorders and substance use disorders. Although it causes impairment, particularly in modern society, many people with ADHD have sustained attention for tasks they find interesting or rewarding, known as hyperfocus.

The precise cause or causes are unknown in the majority of cases.[6][7] Genetic factors are estimated to make up about 75% of the risk.[8] Toxins and infections during pregnancy and brain damage may be environmental risks. It does not appear to be related to the style of parenting or discipline.[9] It affects about 5–7% of children when diagnosed via the DSM-IV criteria and 1–2% when diagnosed via the ICD-10 criteria. As of 2019, it was estimated to affect 84.7 million people globally.[10] Rates are similar between countries and differences in rates depend mostly on how it is diagnosed.[11] ADHD is diagnosed approximately two times more often in boys than in girls,[1] although the disorder is often overlooked in girls or only diagnosed in later life because their symptoms often differ from diagnostic criteria.[12][13][14][15] About 30–50% of people diagnosed in childhood continue to have symptoms into adulthood and between 2–5% of adults have the condition.[16][17] In adults, inner restlessness, rather than hyperactivity, may occur. Adults often develop coping skills to compensate for their impairments. The condition can be difficult to tell apart from other conditions, as well as from high levels of activity within the range of normal behavior