Mounds View High School Health Education In-depth Study

DECISION INFLUENCES CHART

Directions: Use specific “quotes” or facts to explain how these areas can influence a person’s
opinion, either positively or negatively regarding your topic. ​Be sure to parenthetically cite
each fact​. You must find 2 cited facts per section on this chart.

Influences Examples

Media ● The media shapes our conception on PTSD as only something

(magazines, newspapers,
billboards, advertising,
TV, radio, videos, films,
promotions, coupons,
etc.)
that can happen to veterans, but the number of civilians
suffering from ptsd is thirteens time more than that of a veteran
(Newman, 2018).
● “The occurrence of PTSD in veterans of iraq and afghanistan is
20 percent” (Newman, 2018).
● “These negative themes could create misconceptions that
people who have PTSD are dangerous and discourage
employers from hiring prospective employees with the disorder”
(Purtle, 2017).
● “In a vast majority of these movies and television shows, those
with PTSD have suffered from the traumas of combat exposure.
Very rarely do they show scenarios where natural disaster or
robbery causes PTSD. Because of this, the media inadvertently
creates a stigma around those who develop PTSD from these
events” (National Institute of Natural Health, 2016)
● As a society we accept those that have PTSD from a combat
experience, but getting PTSD from any other experiences may
be seen as weak (The Oak Statement, 2018)

Technological/Medical
Advances
(computer, research
studies, new medicines or
procedures, etc.)
● Maren's study examined the neurons in the brain that cause
fear relapse, and the influence of stress on these fear-reducing
regions of the brain. The data reveals new insight into the
pathophysiology of PTSD, and may be able to help predict and
prevent fear relapse with treatments that reduce the effects of
stress on the brain. (Maren, 2015)
● From that quote I can conclude that we may be able to
genetically implant the brain to finding the source of neuron in
which PTSD can be caused. (Maren, 2015)
● “...New procedure known as Resilience. The concept of
resilience - the ability to adapt successfully to trauma or threat -
is being studied to explain why some traumatized individuals
develop PTSD symptoms while others do not. Interventions to
promote resilience have potential not only as a treatment for
people with PTSD, but for also preventing it in populations at
risk of trauma.” (Klewer, 2018)
● “Neuroimaging helps in identifying the brain structures and
functions involved in emotion dysregulation of PTSD. Studies
have identified biomarkers of these dysregulated processes,
including abnormal functioning of the body's stress responses
and dysfunction of a brain areas called the hippocampus and
 amygdala, which are involved in memory and emotional
responses. These discoveries may point toward treatments
targeting stress hormones and functioning of these brain
regions.” (Klewer, 2018)
● “Fortunately, psychotherapeutic intervention and treatment can
alleviate and often eliminate short-term and long-term effects of
PTSD” (APA, 2019)

Interpersonal ● “It’s hard not to take the symptoms of PTSD personally, but it’s
Communications important to remember that a person with PTSD may not
(family friends, peers, always have control over their behavior. Your loved one’s
nervous system is “stuck” in a state of constant alert, making
co-workers, teachers,
them continually feel vulnerable and unsafe” (Jamison, 2019).
etc.) ● Friends our family member suffering from PTSD may see
symptoms of them being stuck in a state of mistrust, constant
alert, our insecure. (Jamison, 2019).
● About 7 or 8 out of every 100 people (or 7-8% of the population)
will have PTSD at some point in their lives. (National Center for
PTSD, 2014).

Immediate Risks ● Many other traumatic events also can lead to PTSD, such as
fire, natural disaster, mugging, robbery, plane crash, torture,
kidnapping, life-threatening medical diagnosis, terrorist attack,
and other extreme or life-threatening events. (Mayo Clinic,
2017)
● “The emotional symptoms of PTSD are depression, worry,
intense guilt and feeling emotionally numb. Another symptom is
anhedonia, which is characterized by a loss of interest in
formerly enjoyable activities” (NCBI, 2018)
● “Post-traumatic stress disorder causes short-term memory loss
and can have long-term chronic psychological repercussions,
according to the American Psychological Association and the
NCBI” (APA, NCBI, 2019)

Long-Term Risks ● “An increasing body of evidence demonstrates how the

increased allostatic load associated with PTSD is associated
with a significant body of physical morbidity in the form of
chronic musculoskeletal pain, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia,
obesity and cardiovascular disease” (NCBI, 2010).
● One good example of a long term effect of PTSD would be
Anger management issue. ​For some the moments of recurring
stress and anxiety result in outbursts of anger or rage. This may
result in child or spousal abuse or public violence. (The Oak
Statement, 2018).
● Another good example of a long term effect could be the feeling
and sensation of loneliness. When someone has PTSD it
makes it very difficult to be around, and individuals with PTSD
will often end up being isolated. (The Oak Statement, 2018)
Mounds View High School Health Education In-Depth Study

INTERCONNECTIONS CHART BETWEEN THE CDC’S HEALTH PRIORITY AREAS

Directions: Use ​specific​ “quotes” or facts to explain how the priority areas are interconnected
with the topic of your in-depth study.​ ​Be sure to parenthetically cite each fact​. You must find
two cited facts per section on this chart.

Priority Area How it affects or is affected by your topic

Tobacco Use ● “Several studies have linked posttraumatic stress disorder with
heavy smoking. It is not known to what extent this association is
specific, as opposed to being a function of a joint association of
PTSD and heavy smoking with a third variable such as
depression proneness” (NCBI, 2010)
● “In a cross-sectional study of 157 current regular smokers,
severity of nicotine dependence (but not cigarettes smoked per
day) was positively correlated with total PTSD symptoms,
hyperarousal symptoms, and avoidance symptoms” (NCBI,
2010)
● People with PTSD smoke at high rates as a form of
self-medication most likely because it increases cognitive
function, reduce anxiety, and possibly for memory extinction
(Korn, 2017)
● “As we know Nicotine is probably one of the most addicting
substances and patients who rely on nicotine as a escape from
the world will too become addicted” (Korn, 2017)

Intentional or
Unintentional injuries
(diseases and mental
health issues)
● “PTSD affects 3.5% of the U.S. adult population, about 8 million
Americans. About 37% of those diagnosed with PTSD are
classified as having severe symptoms. And women have higher
rates than men” (NAMI, 2017).
● PTSD sufferers may use alcohol, drugs, caffeine or nicotine to
cope with their symptoms, which may eventually lead to
dependence. depression, including the risk of suicide. (NCBI,
2010).
● “Self-harm is usually a reaction to a traumatic experience or set
of experiences, with sexual abuse being the most common
trigger. One study, for example, found that over 90 percent of
people who self-harm on a regular basis had experienced sexual
abuse” (Tull, 2018)

HIV/STI ● “A review study published online in the Journal of Sexual

Unintended pregnancy Medicine on Feb. 9, 2015, found that male Veterans with PTSD
(or other sexuality issues) were significantly more likely than their civilian counterparts to
report erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems” (US
Department of Veteran Affairs).
● "PTSD impairs sexual functioning across multiple domains:
desire, arousal, orgasm, activity, and satisfaction," the
researchers wrote. The most commonly reported problems were
erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and overall sexual
disinterest” (US Department of Veteran Affairs).
● In addition, a rape survivor may develop symptoms of
 post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, nightmares
or intrusive thoughts and memories may occur. They might feel
as though they are always in danger or need to always be on
guard, and may distrust other people (Tull, 2019)

Drug and Alcohol Use ● “People who suffer from PTSD are between two and four times
more likely to also battle addiction than their peers who do not
also struggle with PTSD, the journal Clinical Psychology
publishes” (Staff, 2019).
● “Substance abuse, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) have a complex relationship that can complicate
treatment modalities. High levels of stress can make it more
likely for a person to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of
escape. Drugs can increase pleasure, decrease anxiety, and
provide a distraction from difficult emotions” (Staff, 2019)
● “Gender is an important factor as well. Women who have PTSD
at some point in their lives are 2.5 times more likely to also have
alcohol abuse or dependence than women who never have
PTSD. Men are 2.0 times more likely to have alcohol problems if
they have PTSD than men who never do not have PTSD” (US
Department of Veteran Affairs).

Healthful nutrition and ● “The biggest problem with PTSD and nutrition habits, however,
dietary practices has less to do with bones and a lot to do with your brain and
what it needs to optimally function. Your brain runs on the simple
sugar, glucose, which can be found in grains, fruits and
vegetables, refined sugar and dairy products. In order for you to
have the energy you need to be able to manage emotions,
create a sense of calm and make good decisions your brain
needs enough glucose to run all of its systems at the same time”
(Rosenthal, 2013).
● Dietary changes are essential in the management of PTSD and
the benefits of anti-inflammatory diets such as the
Mediterranean diet​ that avoids processed, refined foods should
be encouraged. The basic staples of the Mediterranean diet are
large amounts of olive oil, unrefined cereals, legumes,
vegetables and fruit, coupled with oily fish and lean meat,
alongside moderate dairy consumption (Bailey, 2017)
● In short, yes. Lifestyle factors and mental health issues can be
incredibly interrelated. Most of us understand that the more
stressed out you are, the more likely you are to suffer from
depression and anxiety. Many people, however, have no idea
that their dietary choices may influence their moods. Below, a
rundown on food and your emotional states (Bailey, 2017).

Physical Fitness ● “It has been suggested that a variety of factors interact to
(Care of the body) increase the risk for physical health problems among people with
PTSD. PTSD puts tremendous physical and emotional strain on
a person. For example, as mentioned previously, people with
PTSD tend to experience a variety of stressful psychological
difficulties such as depression and other anxiety disorders” (Tull,
 2019).
● “In addition, people with PTSD may engage in more risky and
health-compromising behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use.
The hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD may also put someone in
a constant state of stress and anxiety. All of these factors may
then combine to put tremendous strain and stress on a person's
body, increasing the risk for physical health problems and
illness.” (Tull, 2019)
● “The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
obesity are on the rise, and evidence continues to support the
observation that individuals who have symptoms of PTSD are
more likely to develop obesity in their lifetime” (Masodkar, 2017)
● “PTSD may be a key predictor of obesity. Indeed, PTSD has
been associated with higher BMI/obesity and its complications,
including high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, not only
when compared to the healthy state, but also when compared
with other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood
disorders, and dementia” (Farr, 2014).