Post Traumatic Stress Disorder / Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder

We live in a world where many people experience traumatic events. Not everyone who experiences a trauma will develop a trauma- and stressor-related disorder. In the United States it is estimated that 3.5% of adults are diagnosable with a trauma- and stressor-related disorder in a given year. 9% of people will develop it at some point in their life. It is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms that may indicate you are experiencing a trauma- and stressor-related disorder include:

• Flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety
• Agitation, irritability, hostility
• Hyper-vigilance
• Self destructive behavior
• Social isolation, loneliness or emotional detachment
• Fear, anxiety, mistrust of others
• Inability to enjoy things
• Guilt
• Insomnia

If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and they are experiencing 2 or more of these symptoms, they may be experiencing a trauma- and stressor-related disorder. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy and/or medication management. A doctor or therapist can help to clarify if what you are experiencing requires further help.

Note: In May 2013 the DSM-5 was released and changed the name of PTSD to a trauma- and stressor-related disorder.

For more information on our counseling services and scheduling, please contact us to schedule today.