Trauma: Identification, Symptoms, and Treatment

Research suggests that at least half of all adults in the United States have experienced one major traumatic event and many have experienced more than one. Traumatic events can include coerced sex and sexual assault, physical assault, extreme emotional abuse, major losses or separations. Victims of robbery, kidnapping, torture, or being taken hostage are included in this group. Those experiencing or witnessing terrorist attacks, violent assaults, combat, natural disasters and accidents are also trauma survivors. Life-threatening illnesses and serious injuries are often traumatic. From this list, it is clear how many of us have experienced trauma to some degree during our lives.

Once trauma is experienced many people will have traumatic symptoms. These can include depression, extreme sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, loss of interest or pleasure, sleep difficulties, fatigue and loss of energy. Others might experience a loss of appetite or an increase in the use of food, drugs or alcohol. Many will avoid things that trigger memories of the traumatic event. Anxiety, panic attacks, physical health complications, intrusive thoughts or memories, feelings of detachment and difficulties with concentration, focus and memory are all symptoms. These symptoms can appear soon after the event happens, or even many years later. Some fade over time while others seem to increase without some type of help. It appears that experiencing more trauma causes more symptoms.

Many trauma treatment options exist now. One way to reduce symptoms is psychotherapy. Meeting individually with a therapist or in a group, depending on one's preference, is a good starting point. Some basic goals of trauma-psychotherapy include providing stability and safety in life while helping reduce painful emotions. Educating about the trauma(s) and what can be done to change negative effects can offer clarity about things like responsibility, guilt, relationships, and how one thinks and feels about oneself. Additionally, a therapist may recommend a psychiatrist to determine if medication might aid in the healing process.

Information provided by Gwin Stewart, Ph.D., CASAC. Click here to see her PStL profile and find out how to contact her

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