When a person experiences some kind of highly stressful event, it can have a lasting effect on them in ways that they may not even realize at first. While many people would prefer to move on and pretend it never happened, our brains can still internalize protective reactions and functions that can stay with a person for years to come. This is why Banyan Treatment Center Boca offers programs that address trauma and stress-related disorders. We seek to aid patients in finding ways to overcome these events and any resounding effects that are left. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of disorders and how they impact those that suffer from them.
Types of Trauma Disorders
Before someone can begin to overcome a disorder, a clear diagnosis is necessary to inform our team of professionals about what the patient is experiencing. It will also be helpful to determine which level of care and programs will be most appropriate. Below are descriptions of different trauma and stress-related disorders and a bit more about what living with each illness is like.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This is one of the most recognizable trauma disorders and for a good reason. Roughly 12 million people a year will experience PTSD, with 8 of every 100 women developing it during their lifetime compared to 4 of each 100 men. It develops following a traumatic event, which can take place during a variety of circumstances, including:
- War
- Terrorist attacks
- Burglary
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Childhood trauma
Someone with this diagnosis will need to meet specific criteria, which would be a certain number of symptoms that are commonly categorized as key points of this disorder.
The categories of PTSD symptoms are as follows:
- Avoidance
- Persistent intrusive thoughts
- Changes in behavior
- Cognitive symptoms
For those that have been subject to prolonged or repeated traumatic events, the development of complex PTSD can take place. This can have several unique symptoms, including instances of detachment from oneself, a loss of core values, and even difficulty remembering the traumatic event itself.
PTSD can be debilitating if not properly addressed by professionals like those found at our Florida mental health rehab. Unaddressed trauma can lead to a number of other complications, including addiction, so don’t hesitate to get the help you deserve before any complications can occur.
Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD
Someone with acute stress disorder will find their symptoms may be similar to those experienced by a person with PTSD, just for a shorter amount of time. They will develop almost immediately after the event but will only last from about three days to a month. Should symptoms persist past a month’s time, then they should be diagnosed with PTSD.
Reactive Attachment Disorder
This typically occurs in children that are unable to form stable relationships with their parents or caregivers. Although not as common, reactive attachment disorder in adults is possible if initial treatment was not completely effective or even attempted at all.
Symptoms include:
- Withdrawal or detachment
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Feelings of emptiness, anger, or isolation
- Lack of understanding regarding emotions
- Discomfort around affection
Trauma Exposure Response
Also referred to as secondhand trauma, this occurs when a person bears witness to the first-hand trauma of another. This can affect anyone but is especially common in those that work closely with victims of trauma, including nurses, doctors, social workers, mental health professionals, and first responders. Symptoms can include feelings of guilt, negativity, hopelessness, and even consistent physical fatigue.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
If someone was unable to form stable attachments as a child, it could lead them to exhibit culturally inappropriate behaviors throughout their life. This can include no fear of strangers, which can result in potentially dangerous situations if that person is not informed of the risks involved.
Adjustment Disorders
These are typically temporary and occur in response to some kind of stressful event in a person’s life.
These events can include:
- Loss of a loved one
- Breakups or divorce
- Sudden unemployment
- Being diagnosed with a physical or mental illness
If you find yourself struggling with any kind of trauma or stress-related disorder, Banyan Boca behavioral health offers a variety of effective therapy methods that can address the trauma in question and teach effective ways to manage it moving forward. You don’t have to suffer in silence, and you especially do not have to face this alone.
To learn more about our Florida mental health services, contact Banyan Treatment Center in Boca today.
