Trauma Related Disorders, Crisis, and Disasters

Acute Trauma

A single traumatic event that is short and limited in time, such as a car accident or natural disaster.

Chronic Trauma

Exposure to multiple and/or persistent traumatic events, like abuse or social emotional neglect.

Complex Trauma

Exposure to chronic trauma that distorts the individual's fundamental sense of self.

System Induced Trauma

Trauma experienced during movement through organizational systems, like foster care.

Vicarious Trauma

Indirect trauma that results from engaging with victims of trauma, for instance, healthcare workers.

Historical Trauma

Psychosocial distress from trauma passed down through generations within a group.

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory

The theory proposing that early relationships with caregivers are crucial for survival and development.

Stages of Attachment

The progressive stages of bonding that infants undergo from birth to around 24 months.

Fear Conditioning

A neural circuitry process that creates a biological memory of a traumatic event.

HPA Axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis that regulates stress responses in the body.

Toxic Stress

Chronic exposure to stress that can lead to neurological changes and health issues.

PACES

Protective and Compensatory Experiences that reduce mental and physical health risks.

Adjustment Disorder

Emotional or behavioral response to a stressor occurring within 3 months and resolving within 6 months.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

A disturbance of attachment in children often caused by neglect or removal from caregivers.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Symptoms post-trauma that last from 3 days to one month; if persistent, PTSD is considered.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

A pattern of behavior in children where they are overly familiar with strangers.

Crisis

A stressful life event that feels overwhelming and requires immediate intervention.

Mental Health Emergency

A situation in which there is a risk of harm to self or others, necessitating immediate action.

Stages of Crisis

The progression of stress that escalates to crisis if coping fails.

Disaster Management Cycle

The phases of disaster preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.

Mass Casualty Incidents

Events that cause a large number of injuries or deaths, creating public health emergencies.

Therapeutic Communication

Effective interaction that provides emotional support and safety during traumatic experiences.

Polyvagal Theory

A theory explaining how the vagus nerve functions in response to trauma and stress.

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)

Stress responses experienced by professionals who work with trauma victims.

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma and emphasizes safety and support.

Coping Mechanisms

Strategies used to manage stress and trauma effects.

Resilience

The ability to adapt, cope, and recover from stressors or traumatic events.

Support Systems

Networks that provide emotional, financial, or social backing to individuals.

Cultural Humility

An approach that recognizes and respects diversity in client experiences and backgrounds.

Universal Trauma Precautions

Strategies applied universally to create safe and nonjudgmental environments for all clients.

Self-Regulation

The ability to manage one's emotional state, particularly in the face of trauma.

Vulnerable Populations

Groups at increased risk for experiencing trauma or adverse experiences.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Stressful or traumatic experiences in childhood that affect future behavior and health.

Screening Tools

Assessments used to evaluate trauma exposure and mental health conditions.

Therapeutic Presence

Being emotionally and physically present for clients to support their healing process.

Box Breathing

A calming technique involving inhaling, holding, and exhaling over a count of four.

Crisis Intervention

Skills used to help clients stabilize during a mental health crisis.

Hypervigilance

An enhanced state of sensory sensitivity often seen in trauma survivors.

Dissociation

A mental process used to cope with overwhelming stress or trauma.

Four R's of Trauma Care

Realize, Recognize, Respond, Resist (retraumatization) in trauma-informed care.

Primary Prevention

Strategies aimed at preventing trauma before it occurs.

Secondary Prevention

Strategies for early detection and intervention after trauma exposure.

Tertiary Prevention

Treatment and rehabilitation strategies for those already affected by trauma.

Burnout

Emotional exhaustion and reduced interest in work that can occur in trauma-related professions.

Coping Skills

Techniques developed to manage stress and emotional pain.

Flashbacks

Involuntary intrusive memories of traumatic events.

Clinical Manifestations

Symptoms or signs associated with a particular medical condition or disorder.

Somatic Complaints

Physical symptoms experienced by individuals without a clear medical cause.

Resilience Factors

Attributes or resources that contribute to resilience in individuals.

Cultural Considerations

Understanding how cultural backgrounds can influence trauma and recovery.

Interpersonal Violence

Violent acts committed against individuals, often in intimate relationships.

Recovery Phase

The stage following a disaster where efforts focus on returning to normalcy.

Community Resources

Local services or support networks available to aid mental health recovery.

Mental Status Exam

An assessment tool used to evaluate a patient’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Crisis Management

Strategies used to manage an immediate crisis situation.

Health Inequities

Disparities in health status and access to healthcare affecting specific populations.

Dissociative Symptoms

Experiences of detachment from one’s thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity.