Intro to Trauma

Flashcards about trauma

Trauma Statistics

Currently, 7% of Americans are affected by trauma.

History of Trauma Understanding

Before the 1980s, psychological impact of trauma received little attention. In 1980, PTSD was introduced to psychiatry, focusing on soldiers/combat experience.

Symptoms of Trauma Observed in Veterans

Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, disrupted sleep, sense of unreality, heightened startle response, extreme anxiety.

Trauma Beyond PTSD

Related to a variety of catastrophic events; can have more lasting impact on children; children's recovery depends a lot on the people around them: love, support, encouragement needed.

DSM Definition of Trauma

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence in one of the following ways: Direct experience, Witnessing, Learning that it occurred to close family member or friend, Repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of traumatic events. Requires intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

Broader Definitions of Trauma

Injury, or consequence of an unexpected and violent intrusion into the individual’s system that has an effect upon the whole organism. An emotional wound or shock that creates substantial, lasting damage to the psychological development of a person. An event or situation that causes great distress and disruption.

Areas Affected by Trauma

Affective systems, behavior, relationships, cognitive systems, developmental processes, somatic systems.

Trauma's Impact

Overwhelming the capacity to cope, affecting the whole system (social, spiritual, physical, psychological), information processing, quality of life, disrupted connections, emotion regulation, loss of meaning.

Trauma in Clinical Settings

Physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, medical conditions, multiple losses, disrupted attachments.

Recognizing Trauma Responses

Edginess, agitation, easily startled, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, insomnia, nightmares, daydreaming, zoned out, vague memories, numb, fatigue, self-injury, irritability, avoidance, mood changes, fear, guilt, hopelessness, rejecting treatment.

Type I Trauma

Single event, dangerous, isolated, sudden; recalled vividly, quicker recovery, better prognosis; e.g., motor vehicle accident, witnessing homicide..

Type II Trauma

Multiple, chronic, repeated; fuzzy memories, helplessness, dissociation, character changes, long-standing problems; e.g., institutional care, abuse, war, social violence.

Trauma Statistics

Currently, 7% of Americans are affected by trauma.

History of Trauma Understanding

Before the 1980s, psychological impact of trauma received little attention. In 1980, PTSD was introduced to psychiatry, focusing on soldiers/combat experience.

Symptoms of Trauma Observed in Veterans

Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, disrupted sleep, sense of unreality, heightened startle response, extreme anxiety.

Trauma Beyond PTSD

Related to a variety of catastrophic events; can have more lasting impact on children; children's recovery depends a lot on the people around them: love, support, encouragement needed.

DSM Definition of Trauma

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence in one of the following ways: Direct experience, Witnessing, Learning that it occurred to close family member or friend, Repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of traumatic events. Requires intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

Broader Definitions of Trauma

Injury, or consequence of an unexpected and violent intrusion into the individual’s system that has an effect upon the whole organism. An emotional wound or shock that creates substantial, lasting damage to the psychological development of a person. An event or situation that causes great distress and disruption.

Areas Affected by Trauma

Affective systems, behavior, relationships, cognitive systems, developmental processes, somatic systems.

Trauma's Impact

Overwhelming the capacity to cope, affecting the whole system (social, spiritual, physical, psychological), information processing, quality of life, disrupted connections, emotion regulation, loss of meaning.

Trauma in Clinical Settings

Physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, medical conditions, multiple losses, disrupted attachments.

Recognizing Trauma Responses

Edginess, agitation, easily startled, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, insomnia, nightmares, daydreaming, zoned out, vague memories, numb, fatigue, self-injury, irritability, avoidance, mood changes, fear, guilt, hopelessness, rejecting treatment.

Type I Trauma

Single event, dangerous, isolated, sudden; recalled vividly, quicker recovery, better prognosis; e.g., motor vehicle accident, witnessing homicide.

Type II Trauma

Multiple, chronic, repeated; fuzzy memories, helplessness, dissociation, character changes, long-standing problems; e.g., institutional care, abuse, war, social violence.

Developed by Bessel van der Kolk; focuses on repairing the mind, body, and brain to help trauma survivors; includes self