Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Versus Addison's Disease

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND ADDISON'S DISEASE
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PART 1
Similarities and Differences Between PTS and Addison’s Disease
Post traumatic stress disorder is a mental health problem that is caused by a terrifying incident that has continued tormenting a person over a long period of time. During this time, the affected individual undergoes psychological disturbance. Addison’s disease will occur when one’s body has less adrenal gland (Mayo, 2015). These two diseases are different both in form and treatment methods. This article examines the treatment methods of the disease, the similarities and the differences, the considerations taken by a nurse when treating and the collaborative measures of experts.
The two diseases have one common chemical substance that determines their presence. High cortisol levels in the body will be an indicator of the presence of PSTD , and low levels of the same will indicate Addison’s disease (Gray, 2012). The body should have a regulated level of cortisol production that will enable it to maintain the normal body functions (National Institute of Mental Health, ND). This will help in solving some problems like treatment to PTSD ,since it will be fastened when cortisol levels are higher.
The two diseases are different in many ways. First ,PTSD has a major effect on the brain. It comes with psychological problems and difficulties. A past event can aggravate incidences of PTSD. On the other hand, Addison’s disease affects the entire body due to adrenaline insufficiency. One is potentially life threatening since it is a medical disorder, while the other affects majorly the brain. The manifestations of PTSD would include, desires to commit suicide or restrain from going to places, doing things that can make one remember the event. Addison’s disease will threaten the normal body functions and expose it to dangers that can affect the body, especially through the blood system (Gray, 2012).
The burden and efforts in management of the disorders
A patient suffering from mental disorder would not face the same burden as one having a medical problem. There is actually no replacement for a body fluid . When the body has difficulty in producing some fluids or important body chemicals, then it is a culmination of some problem that the body has had over a longer period of time. In case of such an occurrence, the best that can be done is to maintain normal body functioning by artificial means. For a mental disorder like PTSD, the patient can undergo treatment to rectify it. It will only require the patient to do away with little things that can make them recall the past occurrences (Gray, 2012). Besides these, mental disorders may require the intervention of specialists,such as psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians, to manage. However,in the case of Addison’s disease,it can be handled by one expert once the problem is known.
The length of time taken to treat the two will differ. PTSD can take a longer period of time before complete recovery of the patient is observed,compared to Addison’s disease,which can be attended to within hours(Gray,2015) . Mnagement and control of these two ailments is also determined by the extent of each. Advanced stages can be more expensive to contain and especially when it comes to PTSD.
Issues that may arise for the patient and/or family when caring for the patients with the identified disorders
When treating PTSD and Addison’s disease, there are several problems that are likely to be faced by families. A family dealing with a PTSD issue is likely to develop a negative perspective towards the patient. If the traits they loved for the patient are no longer seen, they will lose the love for this member of the family. The problem can even be worse when the patient develops violent character,which is difficult to handle (US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015). This will result to aversion and isolation by the family,which often results to guilt within the family.
A family treating or managing Addison’s disease will also have its own challenges,but not as much as compared to the case of PTSD. The biggest challenge that they might face,involves financial capability ,and the expected effects of withdrawal from the medication. The finances required to meet this may be a burden and should they fail to meet them, then they will withdraw from such offers. This will endanger the safety of the patient.
PART 2
Ethical and legal implications considered by the RN
When caring for the two patients the registered nurse (RN) will consider several issues. These will vary and can be discussed depending on the disease. It should be noted that the two diseases will be given different approaches. The treatment of Addison’s disease involves hormone replacement in the body. When doing this ,it is recommended that the body’s metabolic processes ,such as the rate, is considered(US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015).
When the person exercises much and burns too much calories, they will be having a high metabolic rate manifested through high pressure levels which influence the volume in moles, of minerals like potassium. This will either call for oral medication or injections. Oral medication can however be ruled out when the patient is not able to contain the medicine because of vomiting or constipation. This will not be the case with PTSD(US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015).
PTSD will be a difficult case to handle. The m...