ACKNOWLEGMENT

In the accomplishment of this project

successfully, many people have best owned
upon me their blessings and the heart pledged
support. This time I am utilizing to thank all the
people who have been concerned with this
project.
Firstly, I would thank god for being able to
complete this project with triumph. Then I would
like to thank my parents and family members
who helped me with their valuable suggestions.
Secondly, I would like to express my special
thanks of gratitude to my biology teacher
MRS. Asha Nair mam as well as our principal
MR. Joby Joseph who gave me the golden
opportunity to do this wonderful project on the
topic-“POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER”,
which also helped me in doing a lot of research
and I came to know about so many new things.
Last but not the least I would like to thank all my
friends and classmates for their guidance in
various phases of the completion of the project.
REGARDS,
Hrishabh Raghuvanshi.
 A study based on personal letters from
soldiers of the 18th century Prussian
Army concludes that combatants may have
had PTSD.
 Early in 1978, the diagnosis term “post-
traumatic stress disorder” was first
recommended in a working group finding
presented to the committee of reactive
disorders.
 The DSM-5 (2013) created a new category
called “trauma and stressor-related
disorders”, in which PTSD is now
classified.
 Americas 2014 national Comorbidity
Survey reports that” the traumas most
commonly associated with PTSD are combat
exposure and witnessing among men and
rape and sexual molestation among women.
 DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is not the end, but the beginning of practice

- Martin Fischer

PTSD can be difficult to diagnose of:

 The subjective nature of most of the
diagnostic criteria(although this is for
many mental disorders).
 The potential for over-reporting, e.g,
while seeking disability benefits, or
when PTSD could be a mitigating factor
at criminal sentencing.
 The potential for under-reporting, e.g,
stigma, pride, fear that a PTSD
diagnosis might preclude certain
employment opportunities.
 Symptom overlap with other mental
disorders such as obsessive compulsive
 Disorders such as obsessive compulsive
disorder and generalized anxiety
disorder.
 Association with other mental disorders
such as major depressive disorder and
generalized anxiety disorder;
 Substance use disorders can increase
vulnerability to PTSD or exacerbate PTSD
symptoms or both.
 PTSD increases the risk for developing
substance use disorders
 CONCLUSION
 Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is
a complex mental health condition that
arises after exposure to traumatic
events. It affects individuals in
various ways, leading to symptoms such
as flashbacks and emotional numbness.
Understanding PTSD involves recognizing
it’s multifaceted nature, including
biological and social factors.
 Effective PTSD often requires a
comprehensive approach, incorporating
psychotherapy (such as cognitive
behavioral therapy and eye movement
desensitization), medication and
support. Early intervention and tailored
treatment plans can significantly
improve outcomes for those affected.
 Research continues to evolve, providing
new insights into the mechanisms of PTSD
and potential therapeutic advancements.
Increased awareness and destigmatization
are crucial in ensuring that individuals
suffering from PTSD receive the
necessary support and care to lead
fulfilling lives.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. WWW.wikipedia.org
2. www.ncbi.nIm.nih.gov
3. www.researchgate.net
4. www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
5. www.apps.dtic.mil
6. https://nicic.gov
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that HRISHABH
RAGHUVANSHI a student of class 12-B has
successfully completed the research
project “PTSD(Post-traumatic stress
disorder)” under the guidance and
supervision of biology teacher Mrs.
Asha Nair mam and lab assistant Mrs.
Shivani Jha mam during the year 2024-25
in fulfillment of biology practical
examination conducted by AISSCE, New
Delhi.

SUBJECT TEACHER:

PRINCIPAL:

EXTERNAL TEACHER:
 CONTENTS
1) CERTIFICATE
2) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
3) INTRODUCTION
4) HISTORY
5) EPIDEMIOLOGY
6) DIAGNOSIS
7) CAUSES
8) SYMPTOMS
9) TREATMENT
10) CONCLUSION
11) BIBLIOGRAPHY
SCREENING:

 There are a number of PTSD screening

instruments for adults, such as the
PTSD checklist for DSM-5(PCL-5) and
the primary care PTSD screen for
DSM-5(PC-PTSD-5). The 17 item PTSD
checklist is also capable of
monitoring the severity of symptoms
and the response to treatment.
 There are also several screening and
assessment instruments for use with
children and adolescents. These
include the child PTSD symptom scale
(CPSS), Child Trauma Screening
Questionnaire, and UCLA post-
traumatic stress Disorder reaction
index for DSM-IV.
 In addition , there are also
screening and assessment instruments
ASSESSMENT:

 Evidence –based assessment principals,

including a multi method assessment
approach, form the foundation of PTSD
assessment.
 Those who conduct assessments for PTSD
may use various clinician-
administrated interviews and
instruments to provide an official
PTSD diagnosis.
 Some commonly used, reliable, and
valid assessment instrument for PTSD
diagnosis, in accordance with the DSM-
5, include the clinician-administrated
PTSD scale for the DSM-5(CAPS-5), PTSD
symptom scale interview (PSS-I-5), and
structural clinical scale interview
for DSM-5-PTSD module (SCID-5 PTSD
module).
 CAUSES
There are many reasons for the case of
PTSD. Some of them are as follows:-
1. COMBAT EXPOSURE:

Military personnel and veterans often

experience PTSD due to the extreme stress
and life-threatening situations encountered
during combat. Witnessing death, being
injured or seeing fellow soldiers wounded
can leave deep psychological scars. The
unpredictable nature of warfare and the
constant threat to life significantly
contribute to the development of PTSD in
soldiers.
2.NATURAL DISASTERS:-

Survivors of natural disasters such as

earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and
floods may develop PTSD. The sudden and
uncontrollable nature of these events,
coupled with the potential for massive loss
of life, destruction of homes, and
disruption of communities, can be deeply
traumatic. The aftermath, including
displacement and loss of resources, can
further exacerbate the stress and trauma
experienced.
3.SERIOUS ACCIDENTS:-

Involvement in serious accidents, such as

car crashes, industrial accidents, or plane
5. CHILDHOOD TRAUMA:-

Childhood trauma, such as experiencing

or witnessing abuse (physical, sexual,
or emotional), neglect, or living in a
violent environment, can lead to PTSD.
The impact is profound as it occurs
during critical development periods,
potentially affecting the child’s sense
of safety, trust, and emotional
regulation. Long-term exposure to such
environment can lead to complex PTSD,
with symptoms that are more severe and
enduring.
 SYMPTOMS
1. RELIVING ASPECTS OF WHAT HAPPENED

 Vivid flashbacks
 Intrusive thoughts or images
 Nightmares
 Intense distress at real or symbolic
reminders of the trauma.
 Physical sensations such as pain,
sweating, nausea or trembling.
2. ALERTNESS OR FEELING ON EDGE

 Panicking when reminded of the trauma

 Being easily upset or angry
 Extreme alertness, also sometimes
called ‘hyper vigilance’.
  Disturbed sleep or a lack of sleep
 Irritability or aggressive behavior.
3. AVIODING FEELINGS OR MEMORIES

 Feelings like you have to keep busy

 Avoiding anything that reminds you of
the trauma
 Being unable to remember details of what
happened
 Feeling emotionally numb or cut off from
your feelings
 Feeling physically numb or detached from
your body.
4. DIFFICULT BELIEFS OR FEELINGS

 Feeling like you can’t trust anyone

  Feeling like nowhere is safe
 Feeling like nobody understands
 Blaming yourself for what happened
 Overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness,
guilt or shame.
5. PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF PTSD

 This increases hormonal level of

cortisol and adrenaline.
 This prepares body to react
abnormally on anything
 They can be easily startled.
 TREATMENT

1. MEDICATIONS FOR PTSD

A) ANTIDEPRESSANTS:-

a) SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors)-
 Examples: Sertraline(Zoloft),
paroxetine(Paxil).
 Mechanism: These medications work by
increasing levels of serotonin, a
neurotransmitter that influences mood,
emotion, and sleep.
 Benefits: can help with depression
 Side effects: nausea, weight gain,
fatigue.
b) SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitors)-
* Example: Venlafaxine(Effexor)
* Mechanism: these medications increase
levels of both serotonin and
Norepinephrine, which help regulate mood
and anxiety.
* Benefits: Similar to SSRIs, also
effective for anxiety and depression.
* Side effects: Similar to SSRIs, plus
potential increases in blood pressure.
B) ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS:-

a) BENZODIAZEPINES-
 Examples: Lorazepam(Ativan),
Clonazepam(Klonopin)
 Mechanism: These medications enhance the
effect of the neurotransmitter GABA,
which has calming effects.
 Benefits: provide quick relief from
severe anxiety
  Limitations: Not recommended for long
term use due to risk of dependence.
C) PRAZOSIN:-

 Use: primarily for treating nightmares

and sleep disturbances related to PTSD.
 Mechanism: its an alpha-1 blocker that
can help by reducing the brains response
to stress
 Side effects: Dizziness, headache,
drowsiness, and weakness.
D) ANTIPSYCHOTICS:-

 Examples: Risperidone(Risprdal),
Quetiapine(Seroquel)
 Mechanism: these medications can help
stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
  Benefits: Sometimes used for severe PTSD
symptoms or co-occurring conditions such
as depression or bipolar disorder.
 Side effects: Weight gain, drowsiness,
diabetes risk, and movement disorders.
2. FOOD’S REQUIRED TO IMPROVE PTSD
Nutrition can play a critical role in
supporting mental health and managing PTSD
symptoms.

A) OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS:-

 Sources: Fatty fish(salmon, mackerel),

flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts.
 Benefits: omega-3s are essential for
brain health and have been shown to
 Reduce inflammation, which can help
improve mood and reduce anxiety.
B) ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS:-

 Sources: Berries, nut, dark leafy,

greens, dark chocolate.
 Benefits: Antioxidants help fight
oxidative stress, which is linked to
mental health disorders. They support
overall brain health and can reduce
symptoms of depression and anxiety.
C) MAGNESIUM-RICH FOODS:-

 Sources: Almonds, spinach, cashews,

black beans
 Benefits: Magnesium plays a role in
regulating neurotransmitters that affect
Mood. Low levels of magnesium have been
linked to increased anxiety and depression.
D) PROBIOTICS:-

 SOURCES: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut,

kimchi.
 Benefits: A healthy gut microbiome is
crucial for overall health. Probiotics
can help reduce inflammation and improve
mood by influencing the gut-brain axis.
3. LIFESTYLE CHANGES
A)PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: regular exercise can
help reduce stress, improve mood, and
enhance overall well-being.
B) ADEQUATE SLEEP: good sleep hygiene is
essential for mental health.
C) MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATION
TECHNIQUES: practice such as yoga,
meditation, and deep breathing can help
reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Crashes, can be a significant cause of
PTSD. The sudden and unexpected nature of
these incidents, coupled with severe
injuries or witnessing the injury or death
of others, can result in long lasting
psychological trauma.
4. PERSONAL ASSAULT:-

Victims of personal assault, including

physical or sexual assault, robbery, or
domestic violence, often suffer from PTSD.
The violation of personal safety and
intense fear experienced during such
assaults can lead to severe and enduring
emotional and psychological distress. The
trauma can be compounded if the perpetrator
is known to the victim, creating a sense of
betrayal and helplessness.
 For caregivers of very young
children(six years of age and younger).
These includes the young child PTSD screen,
the young child PTSD checklist, and the
diagnostic infant and preschool assessment.
 HISTORY

 Aspects of PTSD in soldiers of ancient

Assyria have been identified using
written sources from 1300 to 600 BCE.
These Assyrian soldiers would undergo a
three year rotation of combat before
being allowed to return home, and were
reported to have faced immense challenges
in the past.
 Connections between the actions of Viking
berserkers and the hyper arousal of post-
traumatic stress disorder have also been
drawn.
 Psychiatrist Jonathan shay, has proposed
that Lady Percy’s soliloquy in the
William Shakespeare play Henry IV, Part 1
(act-2, scene 3, lines 40-62), written
around 1597, represents an unusually
accurate description of the symptom
constellation of PTSD.
 EPIDEMIOLOGY
PREVALENCE:
1. General population:
* The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the
general population varies by country but is
generally around 7-8% in the united states.
* Women are about twice as likely as men to
develop PTSD
2. Veterans and military personnel:
* The prevalence is significantly higher
among veterans, especially those who have
served in combat zones. Estimates suggest
that 10-30% of veterans may suffer from
PTSD.
3. Occupational groups:
* First responders, including police
officers, firefighters, and emergency
medical personal, also have higher rates of
PTSD compared to the general population.
COMORBIDITIES:
 PTSD often co-occurs with other
psychiatric disorders, including
depression, anxiety disorders, substance
use disorders, and suicidal behavior.
 DECLARATION
I Hrishabh Raghuvanshi, hereby declares
that I have carried out my project work to
the best of my knowledge and ability that
is completed in all respect. This project
has been completed by me within the
allotted time frame.

Signature of the candidate:

RISK FACTORS
1. Exposure to trauma:
 Direct exposure to severe trauma , such
as military combat, physical assault, or
natural disasters, significantly
increases the risk.
 Indirect exposure, such as through media
or secondary trauma(e.g., therapists
working with trauma victims), can also
contribute.
2. Gender:
 Women are more likely to develop PTSD,
possibly due to higher rates of exposure
to certain types trauma(e.g., sexual
violence) and biological or social
factors.
3. Pre-existing mental health conditions:
 Individuals with a history of mental
issues, such as depression or anxity,
are at higher risk.
4. Socioeconomic factors:
 Lower socioeconomic status, lower
education levels, and lack of social
support can increase vulnerability to
PTSD.
PTSD, but has a distinct effect on a
persons emotional regulation as core
identity.
 INTRODUCTION

Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is

a mental and behavioral disorder that
develops from experiencing a traumatic
event, such as sexual assault, warfare,
traffic, collisions, domestic violence
or other threats on a persons life or
well being. Most people who experience
traumatic events do not develop PTSD .
People who experience interpersonal
violence such as rape or being
kidnapped are more likely to develop
PTSD than those who experience non-
assault based trauma, such as accidents
and natural disasters. Those who
experience prolonged trauma, such as
slavery, concentration camps may
develop (C-PTSD). Which is similar to
ptsd P
 Central Board Of
Secondary Education
BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
TOPIC:-
“Ptsd – post traumatic stress
Disorder”
SUBMITTED BY:
Hrishabh Raghuvanshi
CLASS :- 12-B
ROLL NO.-10
Session :- 2024-25

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF:-

MRS. Asha Nair
(BIOLOGY TEACHER) ::
Head of the institution: Fr. Joby Joseph
School: De Paul Secondary School