ARQ Academy

How traumatic events (TEs) should be defined, and how specific TEs are for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were examined in a general mental health care population. Three definitions of TEs were defined, according to the PTSD criteria of DSM-IV. Half of the sample reported any TE, with a high prevalence of TEs among non-PTSD disorders.

Devastating and persisting traumatic memories are a central symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sleep problems are highly co-occurrent with PTSD and intertwined with its etiology. Notably, sleep hosts memory consolidation processes, supported by sleep spindles (11-16 Hz). Here we assess the hypothesis that intrusive memory symptoms in PTSD may arise from excessive memory consolidation, reflected in exaggerated spindling.

Families provide children with crucial surroundings of social support, acknowledgment, and hope, creating a protective shield. When a family is confronted with adversities and long-lasting stress and faces adjustment difficulties, familial support may become inadequate, and the family environment is a source of additional stress for the child. It is therefore important to find ways to preserve and strengthen family support in times of difficulties.