There are several different types of trauma, with differing consequences for mental health.Īcute trauma reflects intense distress in the immediate aftermath of a one-time event of short duration. It is estimated that only 3 percent to 10 percent of people who undergo a traumatic experience have persistent mental health difficulties known as post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD). Active coping skills and strong social support are important in mitigating symptoms and preventing the longer-term effects of trauma on mental health. However, the effects usually abate over time, and the vast majority of people recover from trauma. Children may suddenly develop behavioral problems and exhibit clinginess. Shock, fear, anger, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of helplessness are common features of the immediate trauma response. The experience leads to changes in brain function marked by a hypersensitivity to threats.Ĭhildren as well as adults are susceptible to trauma. People typically replay the experience in their mind over and over and continually think about what happened. Parental loss in childhood, motor vehicle accidents, physical violence, sexual assault, military combat experiences, earthquakes, the unexpected loss of a loved one-any sudden, violent disruption-are events that can lead to trauma. Traumatic experiences undermine a person's sense of safety in the world and create a sense that catastrophe could strike at any time. People process experiences differently, and not everyone has the same reaction to any event what one person experiences as trauma may not cause distress for another. The precipitating event may be a one-time occurrence or a series of occurrences perceived as seriously harmful or life-threatening to oneself or loved ones. Psychological trauma is a person’s experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that overwhelms the capacity to emotionally digest it. After patients undergo a thorough evaluation, they may receive inpatient care, partial hospitalization, and/or intensive outpatient counseling.The word “trauma” literally means wound, shock, or injury. Lake Behavioral Hospital provides comprehensive treatment for psychological trauma. Medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms, while psychotherapy helps patients process painful events and learn appropriate coping strategies. If you or a loved one is dealing with persistent trauma symptoms, there’s good news: Recovery is possible. Recovering From Emotional Trauma: Beginning The Healing Process Changes in metabolic activity, neurotransmitter levels, and neuron health may contribute to the heightened levels of stress that trauma survivors experience. These areas include the hippocampus, amygdala, and the anterior cingulate cortex. They’ve concluded that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects parts of the brain associated with memory, emotion, thought, sense of self, and conflict resolution. Researchers have compared the brains of trauma survivors to those of the general population. The parasympathetic nervous system, in turn, either checks out when it should be active or kicks into high gear when it should be at rest, causing the symptoms listed above. When the lingering effects of trauma persist, they set the autonomic nervous system off-balance, creating a prolonged “fight or flight” response. The advent of digital imaging has enabled clinicians to learn more about how trauma impacts the brain. How Does Psychological Trauma Affect the Brain
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