Introduction to PTSD, Trauma, Abuse and Other Stress-Related Disorders

PTSD, Trauma, Abuse and Other Stress-Related Disorders: Hope for Healing and Recovery
The media has focused much needed attention on the harmful effects of modern war on returning veterans. As such, nearly everyone has heard of PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. This extra attention has helped many people with PTSD get the help they need. However, PTSD is only one type of unhealed trauma. As the following case illustrates, other lesser-known manifestations of trauma often go unnoticed and/or are misdiagnosed. We hope this article provides hope to anyone who is affected by trauma in all its many forms.
To everyone who knew her, Katrina was the very picture of success. She owned and operated a very successful and profitable business. She drove a nice car, owned a home in a nice neighborhood, and had four children who adored her. She generously volunteered her time to charitable organizations and regularly attended her children's sch...More
Fast Facts: Learn! Fast!
What are Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders?
- One of the major changes in the newest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, 2013) was the inclusion of a new group of disorders called Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders.
- This involved the re-classification and modification of several existing disorders that were previously classified elsewhere in the manual.
- This change in classification reflected a change in our understanding about the impact of unhealed trauma and unmanaged stress on human behavior.
- Disorders included in this category are
- Reactive Attachment Disorder
- Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Adjustment Disorders
- Unclassified and Unspecified Trauma Disorders
What are the signs and symptoms of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders?
Different configurations of these symptoms form specific diagnoses within the classification of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders, but generally include:
- Intrusive Symptoms - People experiencing these intrusive symptoms describe it as though they are right back there, reliving and re-experiencing the trauma all over again. These are called intrusive symptoms because they are unwanted, unbidden, and therefore, involuntary.
- Distressing Images, Thoughts, Memories - A distressing memory, image or thought is something that you can't get out of your head related to trauma or stress. These may occur spontaneously, or they may be cued/triggered.
- Flashbacks, Dissociative Reactions - A flashback, while certainly intrusive, is also dissociative, which means there is a brief or extended period where time and reality are suspended.
- Distressing Dreams and Nightmares - For some survivors of trauma, nightmares occurred nightly, while for others, the nightmares are less frequent and unpredictable.
- Intense or Prolonged Psychological Distress - Exposure to reminders or cues associated with a traumatizing experience can trigger symptoms of severe psychological distress such as depression, panic attacks, and even hallucinations.
- Physiological Distress or Body Memory - The physiological, or body, response to trauma can include gastrointestinal pain, chest pain, light-headedness, tingling sensations, shortness of breath, and unspecified muscle pain.
- Avoidance Symptoms - Avoidance symptoms represent an effort to withdraw from certain situations that bring about body-level distress of trauma-related symptoms.
- Negative Thoughts and Feelings - Since unhealed wounds can affect our mood states, it make sense to pay attention to unhelpful thinking patterns, and to explore our feelings about ourselves and the world around us.
- Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms - This category of symptoms has also been called heightened arousal and includes behaviors like jumpiness, sleep disturbances, irritability and/or aggressive behavior, problems with concentration, and reckless or self-destructive behaviors.
What causes the symptoms of Trauma-Related Disorders?
In trying to understand the impact of unhealed trauma on the human brain, it\'s helpful to have a basic understanding of the brain.
A simple model of the human brain is to envision it as three separate brains (the triune brain); each with its own separate functions and sense of time. These parts are:
- R-complex brain or brainstem - The base of the brain contains the cerebellum, and it directly connects to the spinal cord. This part is responsible for functions like reflexive behaviors, muscle control, balance, breathing, heartbeat, feeding/digestion, and reproduction.
- The limbic brain - This area is the center of emotion and learning. This part also includes the amygdala, which scans for any threat or danger, and sends out a signal to other parts of the brain when a threat is perceived.
- The cerebral brain or neocortex - this part is responsible for things that make us distinctly human: logic; reasoning skills; analysis and problem-solving; speech and verbal understanding; meaning-making; willpower; and, wisdom.
How are Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders treated?
- The simplest framework for healing trauma dates back to the late 1800s and includes 3 stages - Stabilization, Identification and Relapse prevention.
- One great misconception about trauma counseling is that once trauma is processed or cleared, then it's gone. A healthier and more accurate approach is to view trauma as something that can be healed, but not cured. A cure implies you either have a disease or disorder, or you do not. Healing implies various degrees of adaptation and adjustment that occur over time.
- If trauma seems like it might be a factor in your healing journey, finding a trauma-informed therapist is key.
- Trauma recovery looks different for each survivor. It is largely dependent upon each person's recovery goals.
- Cognitive therapies focus on modifying those dysfunctional thoughts so that feelings and behaviors improve.
- Mindfulness teaches people to live in a state of acceptance with a keen awareness of the present moment, and recognizes that thoughts are just that - merely thoughts. They don't represent any truth or reality.
- Many approaches for healing trauma incorporate an element of exposure therapy.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is currently one of the most researched therapies for PTSD, and it now appears on the SAMHSA registry of evidence-based practices.
- Body, Movement & Expressive Arts Therapies - Because unhealed trauma wreaks havoc on the body, it makes perfect sense to include the body in the healing process.
- Medications - Before you agree to take a medication, be sure you have specifically mentioned to the provider your trauma background. Many symptoms of trauma and stressor-related disorders look like symptoms of other disorders. Without properly considering your trauma background, your provider may prescribe medications that are not helpful, and may even make things worse.
News Articles
AHA News: Certain Antidepressants Might Increase Stroke Risk for Young Adults With PTSD
Certain types of antidepressants might be better than others for treating PTSD because they carry a lower risk of stroke, according to a new study. More...
PTSD May Be Tied to Greater Dementia Risk
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)may significantly increase the risk of dementia later in life, according to a new study. More...
PTSD Therapy Doesn't Trigger Drug Relapse in Addiction Patients: Study
Talk therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) doesn't appear to increase addiction treatment patients' risk of relapse, a small new study says. More...
New Leash on Life: How Dog-Walking Is Helping Veterans Battered by PTSD
Many soldiers experience traumas on the battlefield that leave them emotionally wounded, but something as simple as walking a dog might bring these veterans desperately needed psychic relief. More...
Cyberbullies and Their Victims Can Both Develop PTSD
Cyberbullying among teenagers is estimated to range from 10% to 40%, said the researchers. Because it can be done anonymously day or night, it poses special risks, they noted. More...
4 More'Trigger Warnings' May Do More Harm Than Good, Study Finds
These words of caution at the start of films or books may provide no help at all -- and might even hamper a traumatized person's ability to grapple with deep psychological scars, a new study reports. More...
PTSD May Plague Nurses, Especially in COVID-19 Era
Nursing is not a profession for the fainthearted, but new research shows that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can strike nurses, and suggests the new coronavirus may make things even worse for those on the front lines of the pandemic. More...
PTSD Can Take Heavy Toll on Hearts of Female Vets
PTSD can cause severe psychic distress, but it may also raise heart risks for female veterans in particular, a new study suggests. More...
Study Probes Causes of Anger in Returning U.S. Soldiers
PTSD, combat experience and family history can all play roles, study finds. More...
Resources
Articles
- Introduction to Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
- Introduction to PTSD, Trauma, Abuse and Other Stress-Related Disorders
- What Are Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders?
- Physical and Emotional Trauma
- How is Trauma Different from Stress?
- What are Adverse Life Experiences?
- Can Grief and Loss Be Traumatic?
- Are Abuse and Neglect Types of Trauma?
- What is Complex Trauma?
- Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
- What are the Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders?
- Intrusive Symptoms
- Distressing Images, Thoughts, Memories
- Flashbacks, Dissociative Reactions
- Distressing Dreams and Nightmares
- Intense or Prolonged Psychological Distress
- Physiological Distress or Body Memory
- Intrusive Symptoms: Children's Re-Enactment As Re-Experiencing
- Avoidance Symptoms
- Negative Thoughts and Feelings: The Cognitions and Mood Symptoms
- Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
- Diagnostic Descriptions of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
- What Causes the Symptoms of Trauma-Related Disorders?
- Treatment of Trauma, PTSD, Abuse and Other Stressor-Related Disorders
- The Treatment of Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Other Stressor-related Disorders
- Revolutionary New Treatments For PTSD, Trauma, Abuse, and Other Stress-Related Disorders
- The Basic Framework of Trauma Treatment and Recovery
- Finding and Choosing a Trauma Therapist
- Evidence-Based Practices: How Do I Know If a Trauma Treatment Is Effective?
- Traditional Cognitive Therapies
- Hybrid Cognitive Therapies: Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy
- Exposure and Visualization Therapies
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Related Approaches
- Body, Movement & Expressive Arts Therapies
- Energy Therapies & Other Innovative Approaches
- Feedback-Informed Treatment
- Medication for Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
- Combination Models on the SAMHSA Registry
- A Final Note on Treatment Options
- Conclusion, Resources and References
- Dealing with the Effects of Trauma - A Self-Help Guide
- Introduction to Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
News
- AHA News: Certain Antidepressants Might Increase Stroke Risk for Young Adults With PTSD
- PTSD May Be Tied to Greater Dementia Risk
- PTSD Therapy Doesn't Trigger Drug Relapse in Addiction Patients: Study
- New Leash on Life: How Dog-Walking Is Helping Veterans Battered by PTSD
- Cyberbullies and Their Victims Can Both Develop PTSD
- 'Trigger Warnings' May Do More Harm Than Good, Study Finds
- PTSD May Plague Nurses, Especially in COVID-19 Era
- PTSD Can Take Heavy Toll on Hearts of Female Vets
- Study Probes Causes of Anger in Returning U.S. Soldiers
Questions and Answers
- Multiple Sex Abuse as a Child
- Feel Like Something's Wrong
- Self Hate
- Is This a Flashback?
- Does My Boyfriend Have a Personality Disorder?
- I Am Wondering What Could be Wrong With Me?
- Past Following me For the Worse
- Am I Depressed?
- Depressed, Anxious and Dead Inside...Please Help!
- Broken
- 46 more
- My Husbands Roller Coaster of Proper Hygiene: Is it Depression?
- I Can't function Normally Anymore, Can More Diagnoses issues Risk Survival?
- PTSD vs. DID
- Abused As A Child and Now It's Ruining My Life
- Just Want to Die
- Anxiety
- Hearing Things?
- Please Help Me!
- Boyfriend
- Why Am I Thinking Like This?
- PTSD
- Post Brain Surgery Mental Problems
- PTSD
- Help
- Dissociation events
- How do you turn your back on your 19 year old daughter?
- What is going on?
- Please help.
- Why
- How do I help my husband with anger issues since he has been back from Iraq.
- I have PTSD and I feel nothing
- Tolerating emotion
- PTSD since childhood, with no memory of trauma?
- I get paralysed and cant do anything
- Repressed Memory
- My Husband\'s confusion and inability to make correct lifestyle decisions
- Death of both parents
- Healthy sexuality not instinctual for me after abusive situations
- What would this be
- visions of what could have been
- about depersonalization
- Amnesia
- My friend needs help that I can\'t give,can you help me?
- Relationship Between Dissociation, DID and PTSD
- Bi-polar with PTSD
- Is there a difference between abuse and trauma?
- Fear Of Remembering Things
- Living With PTSD
- Emotional Orphan
- PTSD Getting Worse
- Will I Have To Deal With PTSD For The Rest Of My Life?
- Is It Really Panic? And How Do We Get Help
- I Don't Recall Any Trauma
- PTSD and Night Terrors
- I Can't Tell a Lie
- Abuse and Trauma
Book & Media Reviews
- A War of Nerves
- Afterwar
- Bereft
- Children Changed by Trauma
- Conquering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology
- Faking Normal
- Helping Children Cope With Disasters and Terrorism
- In an Unspoken Voice
- Lovely Green Eyes
- 18 more
- New York September 11
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Raising Kids in an Age of Terror
- Remaking a World
- Remembering Trauma
- Roadmap to Resilience
- Spectral Evidence
- The Heart of Trauma
- The Limits of Autobiography
- The Little Friend
- The Only Girl in the World
- The September 11 Photo Project
- Trauma in the Lives of Children
- Traumatic Pasts
- Traumatic Relationships and Serious Mental Disorders
- What Have We Done
- With Their Eyes
Links
Videos
- PTSD Warning Signs
- Therapies for PTSD
- Art can heal PTSD's invisible wounds
- PTSD Strikes on the Home Front
- Suffering Soldiers: A Look at PTSD
- Anxiety, Trauma and How Prolonged Exposure Therapy Works For PTSD
- Bessel van der Kolk on Understanding Trauma
- How to Overcome PTSD
- Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
- Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
- 5 more
More Information
- An Interview with Pat Bracken, MD, Ph.D. on Post-Modern Psychiatry and the Social Context of Trauma
- Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Edna Foa, Ph.D. on the Nature and Treatment of PTSD
- Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Frank Ochberg, MD on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Victoria Lemle Beckner, Ph.D. on Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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