Posted: June 14th, 2023

Compare PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

In this discussion, students will analyze the differences between two disorders from either schizophrenia, anxiety or bipolar family. Options to select from:
Schizophrenia and Schizo affective disorder
PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Bipolar 1 disorder and Bipolar 11 disorder.
Explain the differences between the disorders you selected.
Explain the diagnostic criteria for each of the disorders
Discuss the evidence-based treatments for your selected disorders
Support your rationale with evidence-based references
Please use at least three sources from peer-reviewed journals less than 5 years old to justify evidence of information

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Compare PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Differences between PTSD and GAD:
PTSD and GAD are both anxiety disorders, but they have distinct differences. PTSD is typically caused by a traumatic event, while GAD is characterized by excessive and persistent worry about everyday events or activities. Individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, while those with GAD may worry about a range of things, such as work, finances, and health, without a specific trigger. Additionally, PTSD is often associated with other symptoms such as hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional numbness, whereas GAD is primarily characterized by excessive worry and physical symptoms such as muscle tension and restlessness.

Diagnostic Criteria:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines the diagnostic criteria for both disorders. To receive a diagnosis of PTSD, an individual must have experienced a traumatic event and display at least one symptom from each of the four symptom clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. To be diagnosed with GAD, an individual must display excessive worry about everyday events or activities for at least 6 months, along with other symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Evidence-Based Treatments:
Several evidence-based treatments are available for both PTSD and GAD. For PTSD, psychotherapies such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE) have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may also be helpful in reducing symptoms. For GAD, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms. Medications such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms, although they are typically not recommended as first-line treatments due to their potential for dependence and side effects.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Ipser, J. C., Stein, D. J., & Hawkridge, S. (2015). Pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(2), CD005170