Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Trauma is an event or experience that is so emotionally painful or overwhelming that it overwhelms the individual's ability to cope. Traumatic events can happen in childhood or adulthood, and their impact on mental function may be long-lasting. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stressor-related illness that can be developed due to the exposure in extreme situations (Ehlers & Steil, 1995). Intrusive thoughts or memories, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in mood and thinking, and altered physiological arousal are all indicators of PTSD (Ehlers & Steil, 1995). Adjustment disorder, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder not otherwise specified are all trauma- or stressor-related conditions that may appear immediately after the traumatic situation (Ehlers & Steil, 1995). These disorders share some features with PTSD but differ in symptom severity, duration, and timing. Trauma and disorders related to stressors are best conceptualized as a spectrum of conditions that range from mild to severe. Individuals who experience a traumatic event may not go on to develop a full-blown disorder but may still experience some symptoms and distress. Treatment for trauma and disorders related to stressors typically includes psychotherapy and medication. This essay will provide a detailed definition of trauma and stressor-related disorders, focusing on PTSD.

The Definition of Trauma and Its Impact on Psychological Functioning

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms the impact of psychological trauma on an individual's ability to function. A single event or multiple events can cause psychological trauma and have short-term and long-term effects (Lamond, Joseph, & Proverbs, 2015). The most common causes of psychological trauma are experiences of violence, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, witnessing violence, and being involved in a natural disaster. However, any type of event or experience that is perceived as life-threatening or that has the potential to cause feelings of terror, helplessness, or extreme fear can be traumatizing. The impact of psychological trauma on an individual's ability to function depends on some factors, including the severity of the trauma, the individual's age and developmental stage, the level of support available, and the individual's preexisting mental health (Kar, 2009). Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to trauma because their brains are still developing. As a result, they may have a more difficult time than adults in understanding and processing what has happened to them, and they may be less able to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

When an individual experiences psychological trauma, it can affect their mental and physical health and their ability to function in everyday life. Trauma can cause symptoms including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dissociation (Vissia et al., 2016). Chronic stress can also have various negative physical consequences, such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic pain. Trauma can also influence an individual's ability to work, maintain relationships, and care for their needs. The effects of psychological trauma can be long-lasting and even permanent. The important thing to remember is that everyone reacts to trauma differently, and there is no correct way to approach it. Some people can recover quickly without long-term effects, while others may struggle for months or even years. However, with the right support, anyone can eventually learn to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic experience.

The Different Types of TSRD

A traumatizing incident may result in PTSD, an acute stress reaction, or psychosomatic symptoms. TSRD is a set of mental disorders that can occur due to exposure to a traumatic or distressing incident. PTSD, ASD, Adjustment Disorder, and other disorders are examples of TMSRD conditions. Fear, anger, sadness, and guilt are all common emotions that people who experience a traumatic or life-changing situation can feel (Greenberger & Padesky, 2015). They may also experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, and trouble sleeping. TSRD can develop soon after the event or may not appear until years later. For example, people who experienced childhood trauma may not develop PTSD until adults. Another type of trauma and stressor-related disorder is called complex PTSD. When someone experiences prolonged or repeated trauma, such as abuse or neglect, this type of injury can occur. People with complex PTSD may have problems with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. They may also have physical health problems. The symptoms of complex PTSD can be different from those of PTSD.

Causes

The traumatic or stressful event that caused TSRD was exposure to it. This could include events like natural disasters, car accidents, sexual assault, or military combat. It could also have long-term exposure to stress, such as living in a violent home or victim of abuse. A TSRD does not always occur after a traumatic experience. The risk for TSRD is increased by factors like the event's severity, whether it was planned or unexpected, and how long it lasted (Vissia et al., 2016). Other factors that may increase the risk for TSRD include having a history of mental illness, substance abuse, or trauma. Being younger and having fewer social supports can also increase the risk.

Symptoms

The symptoms of TSRD can vary depending on the type of disorder. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and avoidance. People with PTSD may also have trouble sleeping, feel irritable or angry, and have difficulty concentrating. Symptoms of ASD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression (Vissia et al., 2016). People with ASD may also have trouble sleeping, feel irritable or angry, and have difficulty concentrating. Adjustment disorder is a mental illness that manifests as a result of particular circumstances in someone's life. Symptoms of adjustment disorder can include anxiety, depression, and difficulty functioning in daily life. Other types of TSRD include disorders like Complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. The symptoms of these disorders can vary depending on the person.

Diagnosis

TSRD can be diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. To diagnose TSRD, the mental health professional will ask about the person's symptoms and exposure to traumatic or stressful events (Lamond, Joseph, & Proverbs, 2015). The mental health expert would reject other diseases that could cause comparable signs. TSRD is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that other conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made.

Treatment

There are several types of treatments available for TSRD. The most common treatment is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. This type of therapy can aid people with TSRD in managing their symptoms and developing coping abilities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that effectively treats TSRD (Ehlers, & Steil, 1995). CBT can help people with TSRD identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. One therapy that can help persons with TSRD is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Medication can also be used to treat TSRD. Antidepressants are the most frequent type of medication used to treat TSRD. Antidepressants can help people feel better if they have depression, anxiety, or sleep problems. Anti-anxiety medications can help with anxiety symptoms as well. TSRD may necessitate hospitalization in some cases. However, this is usually only the case if the person is a danger to themselves or others.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent TSRD. However, some things can be done to reduce the risk. These include getting help after a traumatic event, building social support, and taking care of your mental and physical health (Vissia et al., 2016). TSRD can be a debilitating condition, but treatment is available, and recovery is possible. TSRD is more likely in those who have a history of mental illness, substance abuse, or trauma. Being younger and having fewer social supports can also increase the risk. 

References

Ehlers, A., & Steil, R. (1995). Maintenance of intrusive memories in posttraumatic stress disorder: A cognitive approach. Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy, 23(3), 217-249.

Greenberger, D., & Padesky, C. A. (2015). Mind over mood: Change how you feel by changing the way you think. Guilford Publications.

Kar, N. (2009). Psychological impact of disasters on children: review of assessment and interventions. World journal of pediatrics, 5(1), 5-11.

Lamond, J. E., Joseph, R. D., & Proverbs, D. G. (2015). An exploration of factors affecting the long term psychological impact and deterioration of mental health in flooded households. Environmental research, 140, 325-334.

Vissia, E. M., Giesen, M. E., Chalavi, S., Nijenhuis, E. R., Draijer, N., Brand, B. L., & Reinders, A. A. (2016). Is it trauma‐or fantasy‐based? Comparing dissociative identity disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, simulators, and controls. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 134(2), 111-128.