Case Study-PaulTHOMAS GOUARD

Post 9-11Tradedy

Facts about Paul

Was involved in traumatic event: Post 9-11 tragedy.

During the tragedy Paul’s kindergarten wasn’t evacuated immediately after the planes hit; presumably, authorities thought the children would be in less danger if they remained temporarily inside the building and stayed out of the already chaotic streets. Once the towers collapsed, it was too late, and the impact devastated the kindergarten before anyone cold safely exit the building. Two firefighters had pulled Paul from under a metal file cabinet. The child was in shock and had four broke ribs and first-degree burns on both his legs. Doctors later said the file cabinet likely saved Paul’s life by shielding him against falling debris.

Facts about Paul

Prior to tragedy, Paul’s background was a normal, healthy one ---somewhat resembling the American dream that is often depicted in Hollywood films

Paul also had no major health complications.

Paul was cheerful, obedient, and brought up with strong values such as honesty, respect, and generosity prior to tragedy.

Lost both of his parents during tragedy. Dave who was among the 200 firefighters who were engulfed by the collapse of the north tower; Sandra’s body was never found.

Facts about Paul

Very close to his parents (Sandra & David), and brother (Tom)

Paul was devoted to his father, and his favorite game was to play “war” with his dad. He wanted to know all about what it was like to be in the Air Force. They used to suit up in USAF uniforms, go up to the tree house in the backyard, and “start their engines.” When he was not shooting down enemy planes with his father, Paul enjoyed cooking with his mom and playing with his brother. Some nights, if it was all right with Mom and Dad, they would spend the night up in the tree house.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms - Paul

Periodically wakes up in the middle of the night screaming and shivering, and can’t verbalize any of his feelings

Not interested in the activities that would amuse kids his age.

No interest in going back up to the old tree house, or wearing the USAF uniform he once loved so much. Even refuses to eat any of the dinners that were once “standards” cooked by his mother.

Paul also developed a tendency to display sudden outbursts of anger, unfortunately often elicited by attempts from relatives to approach him in a caring fashion.

Emotionally distant and inhibited, due to not wanting to relive the pain of losing loved ones

Acute stress disorder symptoms

The symptoms of stress disorder include a combining of one or more dissociative and anxiety symptoms with the avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. Dissociative symptoms include emotional detachment, temporary loss of memory, depersonalization, and derealization.

Anxiety symptoms connected with acute stress disorder include irritability, physical restlessness, sleep problems, inability to concentrate, and being easily startled.

Acute stress disorder symptoms - Paul

Dissociative symptoms

Spending weeks without saying more than a few words at a time

Carrying a look of helplessness and disappointment

Spacing out on the rare occasions when somebody around him would mention his parents and the tragic memories of that morning.

It was hard for him to adapt to his new home, different school, and altered life in general. Although he gradually recovered physically, emotionally he seemed to become increasingly detached with time, and fell deeper into a depressive state.

Shut is brother off emotionally as if he was an unimportant stranger.

Acute stress disorder symptoms – Paul (Continued)

Avoidance

Emotionally distant and inhibited, due to not wanting to relive the pain of losing loved ones. (Symptom of PTSD also)

No interest in going back up to the old tree house, or wearing the USAF uniform he once loved so much. Even refuses to eat any of the dinners that were once “standards” cooked by his mother.

Anxiety or increased arousal

Paul also developed a tendency to display sudden outbursts of anger, unfortunately often elicited by attempts from relatives to approach him in a caring fashion. (Symptom of PTSD also)

Periodically wakes up in the middle of the night screaming and shivering, and can’t verbalize any of his feelings (Symptom of PTSD also)

Acute stress disorder symptoms – Paul (Continued)

Re experiencing the traumatic event

Distress

Is person typical or atypical of thiseswith diagnosis

Paul’s symptoms are typical of thises with diagnosis. Paul has a total of 9 symptoms of Acute stress disorder as mentioned.