What Are Trauma-And-Stressor-Related Disorders?
Trauma and stressor-related disorders are a group of disorders that develop after experiencing a life stressor or traumatic event. Life is full of day-to-day stressors, and typically our coping mechanisms help us navigate through these stressors. However, when the stressors exceed more than what we can handle, it leaves us with the inability to adjust and adapt, and failure of our coping mechanisms, resulting in a variety of symptoms ranging from anxiety, mood, and substance use.
What Are The Symptoms Of Trauma-And-Stressors-Related Disorders?
Trauma-and-Stressor-Related Disorders encompass a group of disorders each with their own symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, or assaults. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts or images of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders, changes in mood (depression), feelings of detachment, memory difficulties, increased arousal resulting in hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): ASD occurs in response to a traumatic event, similar to PTSD, but the symptoms are short-term and occur immediately after the trauma. The symptoms are similar to those of PTSD, but typically last from 3 days to 1 month after the trauma.
Adjustment Disorders: Adjustment disorders are emotional or behavioral responses to identifiable stressors (e.g., divorce, job loss, changes in life). Symptoms may include emotional distress (anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness), behavioral changes (social withdrawal, changes in sleep patterns, difficulties functioning in daily activities). Symptoms typically resolve once the stressors is removed and adequate coping mechanisms are built.
How Are Trauma-And-Stressor-Related Disorders Diagnosed?
Trauma-and-Stressor-Related Disorders are diagnosed by licensed mental health professionals. At Mind Glow Solutions, our psychiatric providers believe that these disorders cannot be fully understood through diagnostic criteria alone. Rather, they must be approached from a biopsychosocial and cultural perspective. To accurately diagnose Trauma-and-Stressors-Related Disorders, our providers conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes collecting your psychiatric and medical history, social and personal history, as well as gaining a true understanding of your lived experience.
How Are Trauma-And-Stressor-Related Disorders Treated?
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Especially trauma-focused CBT, which helps patients process and reframe negative thoughts related to the trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposes patients to the trauma-related memories and situations to reduce fear and avoidance.
Medication
Antidepressants: SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of PTSD and related disorders.
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Anxiolytics: Used to treat anxiety symptoms but typically for short-term use.
Alternative Agents: Sometimes off-label medications like prazosin, clonidine, and guanfacine, are used to treat nightmares, anxiety, and hyperarousal associated with a dysregulated and overly activated nervous system.
Complementary | Integrative | Holistic | Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Lifestyle Modifications: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding excessive use of substances like caffeine and alcohol can support overall well-being and may complement treatment.
Stress Management Techniques: Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, yoga, meditation, therapeutic massages, and acupuncture can help individuals manage stress and improve overall mental health.
Self-Care Strategies: Establishing a consistent daily routine, developing time management skills, setting boundaries such as learning when to say NO, practicing self-compassion, being kind to oneself, journaling, fostering, relationships with supportive family and friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in hobbies will help support overall mental and behavioral health.
