Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The different types of traumatic disorders & where to get expert help.

Sometimes you may undergo a horrible or traumatic experience that leaves you feeling hopeless, afraid, or just downright empty. Such experiences have the potential of interfering with your daily life, career, and ability to relate with other people. But you should always remember that no matter the circumstances you are facing, you can get past your problems by seeking the best PTSD treatment centers or  professional counseling from Idaho Falls’ best.

Talk therapy comes with an array of benefits and is sure to assist anybody in distress. For you to get the full benefits of counseling, understanding the seven different types of trauma disorders is key.

i). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is among the better-known traumatic illnesses. It affects about 8 million Americans annually. Persons usually develop PTSD after undergoing a traumatic ordeal. Although it’s common for initial signs to start in the early days after a traumatic ordeal, symptoms can even start to manifest themselves months later. PTSD symptoms can be classified into four:

 

  • Dodging any situation that reminds you of the ordeal
  • Unpleasant thoughts about the ordeal, including flashbacks and nightmares
  • Change in behavior like engaging in self-destructive behaviors, disengaging from close ones, insomnia
  • Cognitive instabilities such as irritability, paranoia/fear, and negative thoughts about oneself and/or others

 

To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must undergo any combination of the aforementioned symptoms for more than a month.

 

ii). Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

ASD is the same as PTSD, but often shorter when it comes to the duration. Symptoms manifest following a traumatic ordeal and can last between three days to a month. If ASD symptoms exceed a month, the person will have developed PTSD.

iii). Secondhand Trauma

Also known as secondary traumatic stress or trauma exposure response disorder, secondhand trauma results after getting exposed firsthand to other people’s trauma. Secondary traumatic stress symptoms include:

  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Guilt
  • Hypervigilance
  • Sense of helplessness or hopelessness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Cynicism/negativity

This type of traumatic illness can affect anybody, but it mostly happens to professionals exposed to traumatic environments like healthcare providers, first responders, social workers, and counselors. 

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iv). Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

RAD affects children who can’t mend stable relationships with their caregivers. If the basic needs of a child aren’t met or they’re regularly placed with new caregivers, they’ll likely develop RAD. Symptoms may include: 

  • Impaired emotional response
  • Emotional inhibition or withdrawal
  • Limited capability of experiencing positive emotions
  • Episodes of sadness, irritability, or fearfulness

 

If not treated at an early stage, it may affect the normal development of a child to adulthood.

v). Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

Instead of RAD, DSED is developed by children who didn’t form healthy attachments to their care providers. Although these conditions stem from the same issue, the symptoms exhibited are totally different.

 

Children with DSED may show socially inappropriate behavior, especially with strangers. Children with this condition aren’t afraid and can even get inside a car with a stranger. Immediate treatment for a child with this behavior is highly recommended.

vi). Adjustment Disorders

These disorders are often temporary and elicited by stressful life situations like losing a loved one, job loss, divorce, or receiving an illness diagnosis. Symptoms may include:

  • Crying often
  • Frequent hopelessness or sadness
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of appetite
  • Not finding happiness in hobbies and favorite activities anymore
  • Suicidal

If you experience a major traumatic ordeal and start experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should consult with your mental health specialist or primary caregiver. This treatment is often temporary.

vii). Other and Unspecified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

You may be exhibiting some symptoms of traumatic illness, but not fall under any of the recognized types. Or there may not be sufficient info for a particular diagnosis. In such circumstances, you’ll receive a diagnosis of other or unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder.

 

This disorder is no less severe compared to other trauma illnesses. Persons with other or unspecified trauma have a genuine mental condition that may diminish the quality of life of a person. Treatment can assist in regaining control.

We Can Help

If you want to get help for a traumatic illness in Indianapolis area, you should consider Monumental.Health if you want to get effective Talk Therapy/Counseling. Call Monumental.Health at (317) 777-1763 or send an email at info@monumental.health to get the help you deserve!

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