What are Trauma Disorders? Types and Treatments

Trauma disorders are a group of mental health conditions triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such events can include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war, rape, or other violent personal assaults. Trauma disorders can cause intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the experience that persist long after the event has ended.

There are several types of trauma disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Common types of trauma disorders include: 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is perhaps the most well-known trauma disorder. It occurs after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. 

Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. People with PTSD may also experience emotional numbness, irritability and difficulty sleeping.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) occurs shortly after a traumatic event and can last for a few days to a month. Symptoms are similar to those of PTSD, including intrusive memories, avoidance behavior and heightened fight-or-flight responses. If these symptoms persist for more than a month, the diagnosis may change to PTSD.

Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment Disorder occurs when a person has difficulty coping with a stressful life event, such as a divorce, job loss or death of a loved one. Symptoms can include depression, anxiety and behavioral changes. These symptoms usually begin within three months of the event and can last up to six months.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a condition that occurs in children who have experienced severe neglect or abuse. Children struggle to form healthy emotional attachments with caregivers. Symptoms can include withdrawal, fearfulness, sadness  and difficulty in social interactions.

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) is another condition that occurs in children, often due to neglect or inconsistent caregiving. Unlike RAD, children with DSED may be overly friendly and familiar with strangers. They may lack appropriate boundaries and display inappropriate behavior with unfamiliar people.

Unspecified trauma and stress-related disorders

Unspecified trauma and stress-related disorder is a diagnosis given when a person shows significant distress and impairment due to a trauma or stressor, but their symptoms do not fit neatly into any other specific trauma-related disorder category.

The symptoms of trauma disorders can vary widely depending on the type of disorder and the person. However, some common symptoms include:

1. Intrusive memories or flashbacks
2. Vivid nightmares
3. Severe anxiety or panic attacks
4. Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
5. Emotional numbness or detachment
6. Hypervigilance (being on high alert)
7. Irritability or aggression
8. Difficulty concentrating
9. Sleep disturbances

Please note that experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has a trauma disorder. A proper diagnosis from a mental health professional is essential.

Treatment for trauma disorders often involves a combination of therapy, medication and self-care strategies. Common approaches can include:

Trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and guides  potential paths for recovery. It emphasizes creating a safe environment, building trust and empowering people to take an active role in their healing process.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a common treatment for trauma disorders. Effective types of talk therapy include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s particularly effective for PTSD and ASD.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy that helps people process and integrate traumatic memories.
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) involves gradually exposing individuals to trauma-related memories and situations to reduce their emotional impact.

Medication

Medication can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of trauma disorders. Commonly prescribed medications include:

• Antidepressants to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Anti-anxiety medications to help manage severe anxiety and panic attacks.
• Medications can help reduce nightmares and improve sleep in those with PTSD.

Self-care strategies

In addition to professional treatment, self-care strategies can play a vital role in managing trauma disorder symptoms. Some helpful self-care practices include:

• Regular exercise 
• Mindfulness and meditation 
• Nutritious, diverse diet  
• Adequate sleep 
• Strong support systems 

Understanding the types of trauma disorders, symptoms and treatment options is essential in helping those affected by these conditions. By recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate care, people affected by trauma disorder can begin the journey toward healing and recovery.

At Granite Hills Hospital in West Allis, WI, our team offers inpatient and outpatient mental health services for adolescents and adults. If you or a loved one are struggling with a trauma-based disorder, complete the online contact form or call 414-667-4800 to learn more.

Licensed mental health professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you or your loved one.

Disclaimer

In case of a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.

For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.