Ron Ptsd Case Study Psychology

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Those with PTSD show an altered chemical formation of cortisol in the brain, which deals with acute stress. “Cortisol is normally released as anti-stress hormone that shuts off biological reactions”(Van Der Kolk, 2002, p.5). Those with PTSD have low levels of cortisol resulting in their biological reactions of norepinephrine to be released. The response to this stimuli results in a fight or flight response, which is commonly seen in war. Those engaging in a state of high arousal will often remember “emotionally charged experiences”(Van Der Kolk, 2002, p5). The brain is made up of two areas of which one is more primitive for basic skills, while the other part (frontal cortex) is used for higher functioning skills. In normal conditions these …show more content…
Ron had no one to talk to about the war except those who fought the same war with him. In some cases talking to others who are dealing with the same situations you are can be healthy, but Ron’s friends were struggling in the same way he was. An OT would have worked with Ron in finding some activities that were motivational and meaningful to him that could allow a recovery process to occur. Asking him questions about what makes him happy and motivated would allow the OT to get a better understanding of Ron’s active self. A sport like swimming could give Ron the motivation to be competitive but also be therapeutic physically by getting him out of his wheel chair. Other questions that should be address would be Ron’s ability to sleep, which can often be concern in patients with PTSD. Knowing if Ron sleeps through the night or not can give indication to him having nightmares of the experience. Ethically many believed that the war Ron fought in was a rich mans war and that USA should have not been involved. This was a confusing time for many Americans because there right to freedom of speech was limited. This made many of them question the government and the war and so those who fought in it were ostracize. When first arriving home Ron thought he would be welcomed home by the community however this was not the case. Ron didn 't understand because he fought for USA, freedom and against communism. As his OT I would have to place my own feeling of the war aside for the better of the

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