STRESS DISORDERS

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A TRAUMA RESPONSE THAT LINGERS...

Both Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder are symptoms that arise following an encounter with this traumatic event. They both include:

The presence of one or more intrusion symptoms:

  • Recurrent, involuntary, & intrusive memories associated with the traumatic event
  • Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the trauma event
  • Dissociative reactions (like flashbacks) in which we feel or act as if the traumatic event is happening again
  • Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external reminders of the event
  • Marked physiological reactions to internal or external reminders of the event

Persistent avoidance of reminders of the event as evidenced by one or both:

  • Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing inside events (e.g. memories, feelings, thoughts, etc.)
  • Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing outside events (e.g. people, places, conversations, activities, objects, etc.)

Negative changes in cognitions or mood associated with the event, evidenced by at least two of the following:

  • Trouble remembering important aspects of the event
  • Persistent and exaggerated beliefs about self, others, or the world (e.g. “I am bad” “No one can be trusted,” “the world is unsafe” etc.)
  • Persistent distorted beliefs about the cause or consequences of the trauma event
  • Persistent negative emotional state (fear, shame, guilt, horror)
  • Markedly diminished interest or participation in previously enjoyed activities
  • Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
  • Persistent inability to experience positive emotions

Marked changes in arousal or reactivity associated with the event, evidenced by two or more of the following:

  • Irritable behavior & angry outbursts
  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior
  • Hypervigilance
  • Exaggerated startle response
  • Problems concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances (e.g. difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, restlessness, etc.)

The DSM-5’s defines a traumatic event as one where one is exposed to actual or the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one of the following ways:

  • Directly experiencing
  • Witnessing in-person as it occurs to another
  • Learning about an event that happened to a close family or friend - this event must be violent in nature
  • Experience repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of a traumatic event (as is the case with many first responders).
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STRESS DISORDERS RESOURCES

The experience of Stress Disorders can feel isolating and scary. As you consider starting treatment with us, also consider these resources.

Do you wonder...

Why am I so anxious?

There are four primary ways we develop clinical anxiety – we call these “vehicles of acquisition.“

We explore your vehicles of acquisition to create the most effective treatment path. Then, we get to work.

READ ABOUT VEHICLES OF ACQUISITION

West Coast Anxiety Clinic

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