Trauma

In the context of mental illness, trauma is identified as the emotional response to a terrible event. This emotional response can manifest in various ways including: nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, avoiding reminders of the event, difficulty sleeping, startling easily, experiencing guilt, negative thoughts about self, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

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Trauma can be experienced from a single event or from prolonged exposure to chaotic or stressful environments.

When symptoms become distressful to the point of impairing a person’s ability to function in their usual capacities, a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be provided. If the symptoms are due to prolonged exposure, although not formerly a diagnosis in the DSM-V, the disorder can be referred to as Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD).

Treatment for PTSD

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, including Cognitive Reprocessing, are effective in treating PTSD symptoms.

These treatments help a client to make sense of hurtful memories and reduce the emotional impact of these memories. Other techniques such as Mindfulness strategies and coping skills are also important in helping a person to identify triggers of symptoms and to implement skills to manage symptoms.

Medications, such as antidepressants can be prescribed to address depression and anxiety symptoms that are present within PTSD.

Additionally, there are some medications that may reduce the intensity and frequency of nightmares. A primary health care professional or a psychiatrist can help identify medications that may be helpful.

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