Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders are psychological conditions that arise after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or significantly stressful event. These disorders, as defined in the DSM-5, are unique in that exposure to a stressor is a necessary criterion for diagnosis.

In this article, we explore the different types of trauma-related disorders, their symptoms, causes, and evidence-based treatment options.

What Are Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders?

These disorders involve emotional and behavioral symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic or stressful events. Examples of such events include physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, military combat, or the sudden death of a loved one.

Common disorders in this category include:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD occurs after direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event.

Symptoms:

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks
  • Avoidance of trauma reminders
  • Negative changes in mood and cognition
  • Hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, insomnia)

These symptoms persist for more than one month and interfere with daily functioning.

2. Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

ASD features symptoms similar to PTSD but occurs within three days to one month of the trauma. If symptoms persist longer, it may be diagnosed as PTSD.

3. Adjustment Disorders

This condition involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a specific stressor (e.g., divorce, job loss, chronic illness). It is less severe than PTSD but still causes distress or impairment.

Subtypes include:

  • With depressed mood
  • With anxiety
  • With mixed anxiety and depressed mood
  • With disturbance of conduct

Risk Factors

Not everyone exposed to trauma develops a disorder. However, several factors increase vulnerability:

  • Previous trauma history
  • Lack of social support
  • Childhood adversity
  • Co-occurring mental health issues
  • Genetic predisposition

Women, veterans, first responders, and survivors of abuse or violence are particularly at risk.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnosis is typically made using clinical interviews and structured tools such as:

  • Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
  • PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)
  • Acute Stress Disorder Scale

The DSM-5 criteria help clinicians distinguish among different trauma-related conditions and rule out other anxiety or mood disorders.

Treatment Options

Effective treatment for trauma- and stressor-related disorders often includes a combination of therapy and medication:

1. Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thought patterns
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to trauma reminders
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines exposure with guided eye movements
  • Trauma-Focused CBT for children and adolescents

2. Medication

  • SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD
  • Prazosin may reduce nightmares and hyperarousal
  • Benzodiazepines are not recommended due to dependency risk

3. Supportive Approaches

  • Peer support groups
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
  • Psychoeducation for families and caregivers

Early intervention after trauma exposure can significantly reduce the risk of developing long-term disorders.

Conclusion

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional and physical health. Recognizing the symptoms and providing timely, compassionate, and evidence-based care can improve outcomes dramatically. With proper treatment, individuals can learn to process their trauma and regain control over their lives.

To learn more or seek help, visit the National Center for PTSD or explore trauma-informed care resources at SAMHSA.