The Impacts of Trauma: From Acute Stress Disorder to PTSD
Today, many mental healthcare providers in San Diego practice trauma-informed therapy because so many mental health disorders are triggered by or impacted by trauma. A person may suffer from trauma as something they experience or something they witness. Sometimes, the trauma is compounded, as in the case of repeated sexual abuse or war. Trauma can trigger a person to experience a flight or fight response that doesn’t seem to ‘turn off.’ Trauma can induce severe chronic stress associated with symptoms ranging from mood swings to insomnia. Several mental disorders caused by trauma range from mild to severe; fortunately, mental health treatment can help.
At Alter Mental Health, we treat trauma with many different treatment approaches—all designed to target a certain aspect of the trauma or associated mental disorder. Patients can achieve symptom relief and develop strategies for successfully managing their condition in many cases. However, without treatment, people may experience worsening symptoms.
Suppose you or a loved one suffers from mental health symptoms that a traumatic experience or multiple traumatic experiences may induce. In that case, you should visit Alter Mental Health for an evaluation. We can help you find relief and learn how to manage your condition for the long term.
Trauma can cause devastating effects that result in mental illnesses like acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For instance, acute stress disorder is a short-term mental illness caused by exposure to a traumatic experience. Individuals who develop this disorder often begin to experience symptoms within a month of the event. Symptoms vary but often include intense fear, insomnia, flashbacks, and anxiety.
Post-traumatic stress disorder involves similar symptoms, but rather than being a short-term disorder, PTSD is chronic. While the disorder can be successfully managed, exposure to stress, especially intense stress, can trigger the disorder’s symptoms. That’s why it’s so crucial for people with PTSD to develop strategies for effectively managing their condition. They can often manage anxiety and flashbacks with medication and therapeutic practices like ongoing counseling, meditation, or other activities that promote mental health, well-being, and successful condition management.
Recognizing Signs of Emotional Trauma in Adults
Signs of emotional trauma in adults will necessarily vary. Some people may have a disorder that involves mild symptoms; others may experience severe symptoms or symptoms that worsen when they’re experiencing stress. Individuals or loved ones may notice many signs and symptoms of trauma-inducing mental health conditions.
Stress-related disorders may cause individuals to experience anxiety and panic. For example, a loud noise might trigger a panic attack in individuals with PTSD. Someone who always seems on edge could suffer from a condition like acute stress disorder. Although many signs and symptoms of mental health conditions may seem psychological in nature, some may be physical. For instance, chronic stress associated with disorders like PTSD can cause blood pressure to rise. Some people might experience gastrointestinal complaints.
There are mental disorders caused by abuse. For instance, complex PTSD is often caused by repeated trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. The trauma is compounded over time. These disorders may involve severe psychological symptoms, including panic, anxiety, and unstable moods. A person can develop complex PTSD after experiencing repeated abuse as a child or an adult. Someone who has been a prisoner of war may also experience abuse or torture, leading to developing a mental disorder such as PTSD or complex PTSD.
Trauma and Disorders List
Traumatic experiences can lead to the development of mental health disorders. Refer to the following trauma disorders list to explore the illnesses and their symptoms in greater detail:
- Acute Stress Disorder: A short-term mental health disorder that involves symptoms like anxiety, panic, fear, and difficulty concentrating.
- Second-Hand Trauma: Second-hand trauma develops when witnessing someone else’s trauma. Symptoms can include depression, fatigue, guilt, anger, and hypervigilance.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD is a chronic mental health disorder that involves symptoms of panic, anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares.
- Reactive Attachment Disorder: Reactive attachment disorder occurs in children who cannot form attachments with new caregivers. The disorder is not uncommon among kids who are removed from their parents and placed with new guardians. Symptoms include anger and impaired emotional response to other adults.
- Adjustment Disorders: These disorders occur due to a traumatic experience like losing a loved one or divorce, for instance. Individuals may experience depression, hopelessness, insomnia, and difficulty focusing.
Exploring the Effects of Trauma on Mental Health
Experiencing or witnessing trauma can profoundly impact mental health. The effects of trauma on mental health have been well-documented and studied by medical researchers. Trauma can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including chronic stress, panic, depression, anxiety, insomnia, hopelessness, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. People who develop a trauma-related illness might struggle at work, school, or with their relationships. Although symptoms may be short-term when the disorder is mild or managed, they may be severe and require multi-type treatments, including therapeutic interventions and medication. Some conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder may need to be managed for the long term.
The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Mental Disorders
Childhood trauma and mental disorders are often connected. During childhood, the brain is still developing and more vulnerable to the effects of traumatic experiences. Instead of developing as a normal brain, the child who experiences trauma may develop symptoms like anxiety and panic that can become chronic. Chronic mental illness can last throughout adulthood. Many people can manage their mental health disorders with medication and therapy. Identifying triggers can help people develop strategies for managing them effectively and, ultimately, managing their mental disorders.
Coping Strategies for Trauma-Related Mental Health Issues
Getting treatment at Alter Mental Health is the first step toward coping with a trauma-related mental health disorder. Our mental health clinic offers trauma-informed therapies that focus on past trauma using evidence-based treatments. Coping strategies for mental health problems may include taking prescription medications like antidepressants and attending ongoing therapy sessions such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
FAQs About Mental Disorders Caused by Trauma
What are some of the mental disorders caused by trauma?
Traumatic experiences like abuse or violence cause several mental health disorders. Some of the most common types of trauma-related mental health disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, and reactive attachment disorder. These disorders may involve mild or severe symptoms. Often, patients can learn how to manage these conditions with the help of therapy and medication. The conditions may flare up again during periods of high stress.
How do acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder develop from traumatic experiences?
A highly stressful event or experience can cause a person to develop post-traumatic stress disorder or other trauma-related conditions. The trauma causes changes in the brain that trigger symptoms like anxiety and depression. The resulting condition may be permanent and require long-term symptom management.
What are some signs of emotional trauma in adults?
Adults who experience trauma, either once or collectively, may demonstrate many symptoms of emotional disturbance. They may experience mood swings or feel depressed. Many people experience profound fear and panic that are difficult to alleviate. People might develop anger, guilt, or even suicidal thoughts.
How can abuse lead to mental disorders?
Abuse can cause trauma in both children and adults. The trauma may trigger psychological changes in the brain that are permanent. These changes represent the development of a mental health disorder like post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder. Long-term abuse or sexual abuse can cause a condition like complex PTSD to occur. This disorder involves symptoms of PTSD as well as other symptoms.
What are some of the disorders listed in the trauma disorders list?
Trauma disorders discussed here include post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, second-hand trauma, and reactive attachment disorder. These disorders may be severe, but they can be treated.
How does trauma impact mental health both immediately and in the long term?
Trauma can trigger temporary or chronic mental health conditions. Symptoms might be short-term or long-term. Common symptoms of trauma-related mental health conditions include panic, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty focusing. People might experience mood swings and even suicidal thoughts.
How does childhood trauma contribute to mental disorders in adulthood?
Yes, childhood trauma can trigger mental disorders that become chronic into adulthood. These traumas can cause long-term conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.
What are effective coping strategies for individuals dealing with trauma-related mental health issues?
Patients should seek mental healthcare at Alter Behavioral Health to obtain personalized treatment. Our clinic offers trauma-informed therapies that are ideal for patients who have been exposed to various types of trauma. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and medication can help. Our treatment center offers numerous forms of therapy designed to promote symptom relief and effective condition management.
