Discussion Thread: Individual and Family Crises
After exploring this module’s Learn section, address the following:
1) PTSD is a term often loosely used for any trauma in our popular culture. What are the current version of the DSM’s diagnostic requirements for PTSD in adults?
2) What are “suicide clues” and “suicide warning signs”? Should all suicidal gestures be taken seriously? Why or why not?
3) Answer any one of the following items for your third question:
a) What are some of the common myths of rape and how have the myths been debunked?
b) What is cyberstalking and how can it affect those being stalked?
c) How can medical crises destabilize family systems and in what way can crisis interventionists effectively help?
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The student will complete four (4) Discussions in this course. For each Discussion, you will post one thread of at least 450 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned module. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 250 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned module.
For each thread, you must support your assertions with at least two (2) scholarly sources. Acceptable sources include the course textbooks, academic journals and books, and academic/educational/institutional websites. Any external sources used (anything other than our textbooks and course materials embedded in the course) must have been published within the last three (3) years. All resources (course materials and external sources) must be cited in current APA or Turabian formatting standards. The Bible should be used at least once per Discussion series, preferably in the initial post but anywhere in the series is permitted.
The current diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the DSM-5 requires direct exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It also includes learning about unexpected or violent death, serious harm, or threat of death or injury experienced by a family member or close associate (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The person must then exhibit symptoms from each of the following categories: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. The symptoms must be present for more than one month.
“Suicide clues” refer to subtle hints or signs that someone may be considering suicide, such as hopelessness, purposelessness, anxiety, insomnia, social withdrawal, mood changes, or giving away prized possessions (Mayo Clinic, 2022). “Suicide warning signs” indicate someone is at high risk for suicide, such as talking about wanting to die or feeling trapped, increased substance use, looking for ways to kill oneself, or withdrawing from activities (Mayo Clinic, 2022). While not all suicidal gestures indicate a serious suicide risk, it is best to take all suicidal statements, plans, or attempts seriously in order to prevent loss of life (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2022). Intervention and mental health treatment can help those considering suicide.
Common myths about rape include beliefs that only strangers commit rape, that the victim must have resisted physically or verbally for it to be considered rape, and that rape only occurs in dark alleys (RAINN, 2022). However, the majority of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim such as an acquaintance, family member or intimate partner (RAINN, 2022). The law defines rape as sex without consent, and lack of physical resistance does not equal consent (RAINN, 2022). Rape can occur regardless of location or time of day. These myths have been debunked through education and awareness campaigns emphasizing that sexual assault is about power and control rather than sexual gratification (RAINN, 2022).
