- Health & Wellbeing
An Event That Leaves a Mark: 6 Types of Trauma Disorders
No one is immune to the ways negative events will affect their emotional, mental, and physical responses. Trauma is a normal reaction to these horrible events, and no one should ever hide from their state of well-being. But, these effects can be so severe that they affect one’s ability to lead a normal lifestyle. In such instances, it leads to trauma disorders.
What are trauma disorders?
Trauma disorders are the resulting negative emotions that are triggered by a traumatic event or experience. These emotions manifest both physically and emotionally, and without the right care can get worse. For this reason, the slightest manifestations call for Counseling for Trauma to manage their short-term and long-term effects.
It is crucial to note that, similar to most other disorders, trauma disorders are unique and require a correct diagnosis.The cause and symptoms manifested by an individual will then become the foundation for professional counseling and treatment. Recovery from trauma disorders is a journey with each person undergoing distinct challenges that can only be overcome with the right coping strategies.
The six (6) types of trauma disorders
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This trauma disorder is primarily associated with individuals who have witnessed or undergone violent experiences. For this reason, it affects most soldiers who have been to war and people who have been in some form of attacks. These include individuals who witnessed shootings, bombings and militia attacks.
· Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). Similar to PTSD, this disorder is triggered by trauma from violent events. The major difference is its effects last for a shorter period (mostly days) compared to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that can be persistent for months.
· Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). This is a rare trauma disorder that affects children whose needs are not met by parents or caregivers. It arises from neglect and makes children detached from other people and most things that should excite them. Children affected with this disorder have problems with their emotions and interactions.
· Adjustment Disorder (AD). This disorder arises from the failure to adequately respond and adjust to a situation or event. These could include the death of someone close or a relationship that comes to an end. The stress in adjusting to these situations leads to excessive reactions with dominant symptoms.
· Dis-inhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). This is another attachment disorder that is primarily manifested in children. These are children who have either been neglected or undergone traumatic experiences. Its difference with Adjustment Disorder (AD) is that its symptoms are less severe.
· Unspecified Trauma-and Stressor-Related Disorders. There are times when the five trauma disorders mentioned above do not fit a specific situation. The psychiatrist will then diagnose the patient as having Unspecified Trauma-and Stressor-Related Disorders. In most cases, one fails to have all the symptoms to fit in these five major categories.
Symptoms of a trauma disorder
Each type of trauma disorder has unique symptoms that assist a psychiatrist in diagnosing their patients correctly. But, there are defining signs and symptoms that include;
· Too much fear or a feeling of constant anxiety
· Lack of interests in activities that once brought pleasure
· Being withdrawn and lacking emotions
· Behaviors that are suicidal or bring harm to the body
· Nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks
· Unexplained sadness and sudden emotional outbursts
From the above symptoms, it is clear that the signs of a trauma disorder are not easily visible. It is an internal battle that requires the individual to be in touch with someone who understands their feelings. This is to be a certified counselor who can guide one to a safe and stable state of mind.