Trauma Disorders, also known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), can affect individuals of any age. Studies have shown that up to 60% of women and 50% of men will experience some type of traumatic event in their lifetimes, and that approximately 20% will suffer from PTSD symptoms at some point in their life. It is also estimated that up to 20% of soldiers who served in the Iraq War suffer from PTSD, and that as many as 5% of foster children will develop PTSD due to abuse.
PTSD
People with PTSD tend to experience negative feelings, flashbacks, and nightmares. They may also have problems in their personal relationships and at work. They may even act out the traumatic event when playing or interacting with others. These symptoms may also make them withdraw from society and their loved ones.
These symptoms are most common in children over eight years of age. They may feel angry or irritable all the time. They may also have thoughts of revenge or feeling guilty for not acting differently during the traumatic event. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, these conditions may develop at any age. The prevalence of PTSD is about seven to eight per cent in the general population. Women are more likely than men to suffer from PTSD.
Various therapies are available for PTSD. Evidence-based treatments include talk therapy and medication. Cognitive behavior therapy is also a valuable treatment option. Among them, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) focuses on changing painful negative beliefs and emotions. It helps people confront their most distressing memories in a healthy environment.
Acute stress disorder
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a type of trauma disorder. This condition has symptoms that are immediately recognizable and can last for several weeks to months. Symptoms may include flashbacks, dissociative symptoms, and anxiety. Usually, physicians use psychotherapy or medication to treat acute stress disorder.
People with PTSD often experience intense and distressing nightmares or intrusive memories. They also avoid situations or activities that remind them of the traumatic event. They are also often overly worried about their safety and have difficulty concentrating. The symptoms may also develop months or years after the initial traumatic event.
While acute stress disorder does not last long, it does have symptoms that can be very severe. If the symptoms last longer than a month, they are considered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Reactive attachment disorder
Reactive attachment disorder is a condition in which children are unable to connect with their caregivers, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms include flat motor development, lethargy, growth abnormalities, and bizarre finger movements. Sadly, 37 percent of these children died within the first two years. Fortunately, there are several ways to effectively treat reactive attachment disorder.
The first step in treating RAD is to identify the causes of the condition. The root cause is the lack of human connection. Bonding between infants and their caregivers is critical for healthy development and socialization. When bonding occurs naturally, a baby is able to trust and depend on its caregiver for emotional and physical needs. However, in cases of extreme neglect, this bond breaks down and teaches the child that the world is unsafe and uncaring.
Disinhibited social engagement disorder
Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) can lead to lifelong complications and can be difficult to treat. Children with DSED should be treated by a licensed professional with an individualized treatment plan. The child's caregivers should also be involved in the treatment process. The goal of treatment is to help the child heal the underlying trauma and form meaningful relationships.
Psychotherapy is one approach to treat disinhibited social engagement disorder. The child and family work together to determine the severity of the disorder. A therapist may use expressive therapies such as play or art therapy to work through the child's issues. These therapies are usually provided in a safe environment where the child can feel comfortable. During these sessions, the child's primary caregivers try to develop a closer relationship with the child. This relationship, in turn, can help advance the child's social and emotional development.
Developmental trauma
Developmental trauma disorders are psychiatric conditions caused by trauma. Psychotherapy is typically ineffective in treating these conditions. This may be because of the clinical complexity of developmental trauma. However, there is evidence that these disorders are linked to psychiatric disorders. Various studies have been conducted to understand this link.
The Center for Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders (CTDTD) has developed a series of webinars to help therapists better understand these complex traumas. These webinars are designed to help therapists better assess the signs, symptoms, and causes of complex trauma in children. Each webinar includes a case study involving a therapist handling a challenging crisis.
The prevalence of developmental trauma has increased, and there are many different types. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Some of them involve multiple childhood traumas. These conditions affect multiple affective and interpersonal domains. However, there are a number of interventions for these disorders.