Written Paper: Vignette Analysis
Context: Individuals with trauma-related syndromes can be negatively impacted by seemingly innocuous events throughout their lives. This activity will give you the opportunity to analyze the physiological effects that might develop in a trauma survivor whose circumstances are triggering memories of a past trauma.
Description: Carmen is a married woman in her 30s. As a child, she was attacked by a dog and had recurring nightmares about the attack for several years. As an adolescent, she was threatened but not attacked by a dog, and the nightmares returned. Her husband, an avid dog lover, recently told her that he would like to begin a pit bull breeding program out of their home. Carmen expressed her anxiety about this idea, but her husband dismissed her concerns. The dynamics of her marriage are such that she knows her husband will begin the pit bull breeding program regardless of her presence in the home. Carmen has been using an opioid pain medicine since she experienced a car accident 18 mos ago, and now she is not able to get any relief from the medicine or support from her spouse. Her doctor wants her to try other therapies, but Carmen is considering other “sources” since she cannot get any more pain meds.
In a two- to three-page paper, please answer the following questions about Carmen and her past, present, and future.
1. Given Carmen’s history, what neuroendocrine and immune patterns would she have likely shown as a child and as an adult?
2. When Carmen encounters a dog, what physiological response is she likely to experience? In the same situation, what physiological response is her husband likely to experience? Be specific.
3. If Carmen lives in a home with a dog breeding program, what are the possible future consequences to her health and well-being? Be sure to draw from all required readings to formulate your answer.
4. What treatment recommendations could be made to help Carmen and spouse