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Trauma and Related Disorders

What are Trauma and Related Disorders?

Traumatic events can cause a variety of problems and can affect patients very differently. In response to stress or trauma, some people develop symptoms relating to fear or anxiety, whereas others become angry, upset, aggressive, or lose interest in previously pleasurable activities. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is one type of condition in which the normal sense of fear in the presence of danger becomes altered. Even if you don’t experience danger yourself, if a loved one is harmed that can also trigger PTSD symptoms to develop. People can become scared or upset even when they’re not in danger anymore.

Specific Trauma and Related Disorders:

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Adjustment Disorders

What are some signs or symptoms of Trauma and Related Disorders?

In general, that National Institute of Mental Health describes three broad categories of symptoms that people with PTSD experience.

1.) Re-experiencing symptoms

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares

2.) Avoidance Symptoms:

  • Avoiding objects, places, or things that remind you of the trauma
  • Losing interest in previously pleasurable activities
  • Guilt, depression, and anxiety
  • Forgetting specifics about the trauma

3.) Hyper-arousal

  • Feeling on edge
  • Outbursts
  • Difficulty sleeping

Diagnosis and Treatment:

If you have been experiencing these symptoms, we can help. We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help change negative thinking patterns surrounding trauma to let patients cope with their anxiety in a more palatable way. We also use medication when indicated to treat the often present symptoms of depression and anxiety.