Over the years, there has been an increase in the number mental disorders associated with road traffic incidents. Post Traumatic Stress disorder is mental health problem which is significantly related to accident related variables such as physical injury, potential life threat as well as loss of close friends and family members (McLaughlin, et al., 2015). In this case, the extent of the fear of death and dying as well as the physical injury largely determine the development of Post traumatic stress disorder. Activities preceding an accident predict PTSD include the rate of physical recovery from injury (Hoge et al., 2012), the extent of social support from friends and family as well as re-engagement in both work and related activities. As such, these coping strategies determine the positive mental health outcomes.
Observations
Basing on the case study, it is evident that he has been unable to cope with the accident. This can be attributed to lack of a social support system from friends and family members and as a result, he has been experiencing nightmares, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, anhedonia and also avoiding some of the areas he previously used to visit.
Questions
Does the level of social support from family and friends determine and the re-engagement from both work and social activities determine the recovery from post traumatic stress disorder?
Hypothesis
Research shows that the immediate response of the body immediately after an event lead to stress presented inform of agitation, panic, amnesia and confusion (Kearns et al., 2013). These symptoms confirm an acute stress disorder which eventually lead to the development of post traumatic stress disorder. The condition is evidenced by anxiety which is marked by feeling of hyper-arousal, relieving the event as well as avoidance. Medication and psychotherapy are the mainstay in the management of PTSD. In prevention from the impacts of stress, the victims can be encouraged to reengage in their social and work activities as well as encourage support from family and friends so as to increase the treatment outcome and reducing associated complications.
The encouragment and of social support from Family and friends and the re-engagement to both social and work activities define recovery from post traumatic stress disorder.
Experiment
Data collection is essential in relating to variables. In the case study, data would be collected through either structured interviews or one on one interview to ensure the most accurate data is acquired.
Results
To get more results regarding Derick’ s history, more data can be collected through the use of questionnaires which are open ended. Through this method of data collection, it becomes easy to identify some of the vital information required for the diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder.
Conclusion
Post traumatic stress disorder is a major mental health problem affecting friends and relatives of accident related victims. Also, they should be encouraged to resume their social and daily activities as soon as possible. Both the society and the family have a responsibility in providing social support to prevent the occurrence and the acceleration of the disorder. History taking is essential in determining the possible cause of the mental health problem. Through proper management of the condition, it is feasible to reduce the incidence and the prevalence.
Contrast of case study and true experimental designs
In research, different research designs are used all with specific advantages and disadvantages. The choice is dependent on the researcher’s aim of the study as well as the nature of the phenomenon(McMillan & Schumacher, 2014). Case study and experimental research designs are two different methods used in various disciplines. The method enables the researcher to analyze the study subject in different approaches. In choosing the research design, the researcher cross checks the data to determine the validity and therefore makes conclusions as well as the overall research findings (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2017). In a case study, the researcher explores a subject for a single phenomenon in depth while in experimental designs; two variables are used to test a hypothesis (McMillan & Schumacher, 2014)
References
Hoge, C. W., Riviere, L. A., Wilk, J. E., Herrell, R. K., & Weathers, F. W. (2014). The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in US combat soldiers: a head-to-head comparison of DSM-5 versus DSM-IV-TR symptom criteria with the PTSD checklist. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(4), 269-277.
Kearns, M. C., Ressler, K. J., Zatzick, D., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2012). Early interventions for PTSD: a review. Depression and anxiety, 29(10), 833-842.
McLaughlin, K. A., Koenen, K. C., Friedman, M. J., Ruscio, A. M., Karam, E. G., Shahly, V. & Andrade, L. H. (2015). Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder in the world health organization world mental health surveys. Biological psychiatry, 77(4), 375-384.
McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2014). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry. Pearson Higher Ed.
Nieswiadomy, R. M., & Bailey, C. (2017). Foundations of nursing research. Pearson.
