Cyberbullying and PTSD: Evaluating DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria and Psychological Impact

Question 1 (95 Marks)

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), one of the required criteria for the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is criterion A as outlined below:

Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one or more of the following ways:

1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).
2. Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.
3. Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
4. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse).

Note: Criterion A4 does not apply to exposure through electronic media,
television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related.

Based on the DSM-V’s full diagnostic criteria for PTSD, evaluate the relationship between cyberbullying and PTSD.

As part of your evaluation, here are some points you may consider (list not exhaustive):

• Assess whether cyberbullying may be considered a traumatic event
• Illustrate the impact of cyberbullying on one’s functioning
• Vulnerable groups, if any
• Factors that may increase or protect against development of PTSD
• Include empirical literature to support all points made

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Cyber bullying as a traumatic event
Criteria A list out certain events such as exposure to threatened death, sexual violence or serious injury. In respect to cyber bullying, if the threats involve danger of violence, incitement to suicide or sexual violence, then cyber bulling can be considered as a traumatic event but it is not always the case. The research however indicates that cyber bullying can result in traumatic symptoms resembling PTSD such as sleep disturbance, intrusive thoughts etc.
Impact of cyber bullying on functioning
Cyberbullying can have a direct impact on one’s functioning, as it can force the victim to engage in self harm, and there are possibilities that the victim may withdraw from social relationships, and develop situations like anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms clusters.
Vulnerable groups
Vulnerable groups include adolescents and young adults, LGBTQ, individuals with mental health issues and socially marginalised groups.
Factors that increase PTSD risk
This includes chronic exposure to online harassment, lack of support from parents and family members, pre existing anxiety etc.
Protective factors
It needs strong social support networks especially from family and friends, good digital literacy, and adequate training for coping strategies. 

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