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Symptoms Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd )

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Diagnosis: Matt, a retired police officer, presents with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two major events seemed to impact Matt. First, Matt’s partner John, who was known to be prejudiced against Hispanics, shot and killed a suspect that posed no real danger to the officers. Years later, Matt’s new partner Sam was found bludgeoned to death floating in the river (Criterion A3). Matt saw Sam’s body in the morgue (Criterion A4). Matt began to have several intrusion symptoms following Sam’s death. He had recurring nightmares about Sam’s dead body (Criterion B2). Also, the large Hispanic clientele he encountered at his new job triggered flashbacks to the Hispanic male that his partner shot (Criterion B3). Additionally, arguments with his wife triggered anxious feelings about his wife’s safety which caused him to insist upon driving her to and from work (Criterion B4). The arguments with his wife resembled the arguments Matt had with Sam prior to his death. Before Sam died, Matt refused to retire. He was adamant about remaining a homicide detective despite the strain it put on his marriage. However, Sam’s death made retirement seem like the best solution. He was leaving his job to avoid the distressing cognitions related to Sam’s death (Criterion C2). Matt displayed noticeable alterations in his mood and thoughts. He began to blame himself after dreaming that some missed message from Sam could have saved his life if Matt had heard it (Criterion D3). His

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