[Free Guide 2026] Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness

Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness

Succinctly, in 1–2 pages, address the following:

• Briefly explain the neurobiological basis for PTSD illness.
• Discuss the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for PTSD and relate these criteria to the symptomology presented in the case study. Does the video case presentation provide sufficient information to derive a PTSD diagnosis? Justify your reasoning. Do you agree with the other diagnoses in the case presentation? Why or why not?
• Discuss one other psychotherapy treatment option for the client in this case study. Explain whether your treatment option is considered a “gold standard treatment” from a clinical practice guideline perspective, and why using gold standard, evidence-based treatments from clinical practice guidelines is important for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

Support your Assignment with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.

CASE STUDY: Grande, T. (2019, August 21). Presentation example: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkSv_zPH-M4

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Read the Assignment Prompt Strategically

Before writing, break the question into four required sections:

1. Neurobiological basis of PTSD

2. DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and case analysis

3. Psychotherapy treatment option and gold-standard discussion

4. Scholarly support and justification of sources

Your goal is to integrate theory, clinical reasoning, and evidence, not just define terms.

Step 2: Review the Case Study and Video Carefully

Watch the video case at least twice and take notes on:

• Trauma exposure (type, timing, severity)

• Reported symptoms (intrusive thoughts, avoidance, mood changes, arousal)

• Functional impairment

• Duration of symptoms

• Any comorbid or alternative diagnoses presented

These notes will be essential when mapping symptoms to DSM-5-TR criteria and deciding whether PTSD can be diagnosed.

Step 3: Section 1 – Explain the Neurobiological Basis of PTSD

Keep this section concise but scientific.

What to include:

• Key brain structures:

  • Amygdala (fear conditioning and hyperarousal)

  • Hippocampus (memory consolidation and contextual processing)

  • Prefrontal cortex (emotional regulation and inhibition)

• Neurotransmitter and hormonal dysregulation:

  • Increased norepinephrine

  • Altered cortisol and HPA axis dysfunction

• Impact of trauma on neural circuits

Writing tip:

Explain how these biological changes directly produce PTSD symptoms (e.g., hypervigilance, intrusive memories).

Step 4: Section 2 – DSM-5-TR Criteria and Case Application

This is the most heavily graded section.

Step 4a: Briefly Summarize DSM-5-TR Criteria

Outline the PTSD diagnostic clusters:

• Criterion A: Exposure to trauma

• Criterion B: Intrusion symptoms

• Criterion C: Avoidance

• Criterion D: Negative mood and cognition

• Criterion E: Arousal and reactivity

• Duration >1 month

• Functional impairment

• Not due to substances or medical condition

Step 4b: Apply Criteria to the Case

For each relevant criterion:

• Cite specific behaviors or statements from the video

• Explicitly state whether each criterion is met or partially met

Example approach:

The client’s recurrent nightmares and intrusive memories align with Criterion B symptoms as demonstrated by…

Step 4c: Evaluate Diagnostic Sufficiency

Answer clearly:

• Does the video provide enough information for a PTSD diagnosis?

• If yes, explain why all required criteria are met

• If no, identify missing clinical data (e.g., symptom duration, impairment)

Step 4d: Analyze Other Diagnoses

If other diagnoses are mentioned:

• State whether you agree or disagree

• Justify using symptom overlap, differential diagnosis, or missing criteria

Step 5: Section 3 – Psychotherapy Treatment Option

Choose one evidence-based psychotherapy (do not discuss multiple).

Common strong choices:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

What to include:

• Brief explanation of how the therapy works

• How it targets PTSD symptoms in this client

• Whether it is a gold-standard treatment

Gold-Standard Discussion:

• Reference clinical practice guidelines (e.g., APA, VA/DoD)

• Explain why PMHNPs must prioritize:

  • Evidence-based outcomes

  • Ethical practice

  • Standardized care

  • Risk reduction

Step 6: Section 4 – Scholarly Support and Source Justification

You must use at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources.

Acceptable sources include:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles

• DSM-5-TR

• National clinical practice guidelines

For each source:

Briefly explain why it is scholarly by noting:

• Peer-review process

• Author credentials

• Evidence-based methodology

• Relevance to psychiatric practice

Example:

This source is considered scholarly because it is published in a peer-reviewed psychiatric journal and presents empirical findings based on randomized controlled trials.

Step 7: Integrate Citations Correctly

• Use APA 7th edition format

• Cite sources in-text where concepts are discussed

• Avoid over-quoting; paraphrase clinically

Step 8: Attach PDFs of Sources

• Download full-text PDFs from databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO)

• Ensure they are:

  • Peer-reviewed

  • Recent (preferably within 5–7 years unless foundational)

Step 9: Final Review Checklist

Before submission, confirm that you:

• Stayed within 1–2 pages

• Directly answered every prompt

• Used case-specific examples

• Demonstrated PMHNP-level clinical reasoning

• Supported claims with scholarly evidence

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