A Case Study on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Prolonged Grief Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder

In the International Classification of Disease (ICD)-11, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made significant changes to simplify the diagnosis, especially in disorders specifically associated with stress. These changes help differentiate between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prolonged grief disorder (PGD), and adjustment disorder (AjD). This case study covers an individual's journey with signs of all three disorders. After suddenly losing his role in a family-owned business and the unexpected death of his son in his 20s, a man in his early 50s experienced significant mental anguish. Because of these events, he developed severe depression, insomnia, unrelenting grief, and flashbacks linked to the traumatic event (loss of the child). A psychiatric evaluation showed that the symptoms required medication. The depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and well-being assessments showed severe distress. The PTSD and PGD assessment, assisted by the therapist, highlighted the presence of symptoms related to both. Reconsolidation of traumatic memories (RTM) and inner child integration therapy were used to address the PTSD symptoms at first. Over six months, the levels of depression, sleep disruption, and anxiety went down significantly. The individual was able to return to normal functioning. Medication was phased out with the support and collaboration of the psychiatrist. The patient eventually came to terms with the events and started working on new projects, which confirmed the progress validated by repeated assessments of PTSD, depression, and insomnia. This case shows the utility of ICD-11's updated diagnostic criteria for identifying the difference between stress-related disorders. Correct assessment is key to understanding and addressing the core issue.