What is Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders are a category of mental health conditions in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition). These disorders are triggered by exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. The emotional and psychological responses to such events can vary widely, but they usually involve anxiety, fear, helplessness, guilt, or anger.

Types of Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


2. Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)


3. Adjustment Disorders


4. Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)


5. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)


6. Other Specified/Unspecified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Common Symptoms Across These Disorders:

Re-experiencing the traumatic event:

Flashbacks

Nightmares

Intrusive thoughts


Avoidance:

Avoiding people, places, or conversations related to the trauma


Negative changes in thoughts or mood:

Guilt, shame, hopelessness

Memory problems related to the event

Feeling detached from others


Hyperarousal:

Irritability or anger

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Startle response


Behavioral symptoms:

Withdrawal

Risky or self-destructive behavior


Disorder-Specific Highlights:

1. PTSD

Onset: Symptoms last >1 month after trauma

Can be chronic and severely impair functioning


2. Acute Stress Disorder

Symptoms similar to PTSD

Duration: 3 days to 1 month after trauma


3. Adjustment Disorders

Emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a life stressor (e.g., divorce, job loss)

Symptoms arise within 3 months of the stressor


4. Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Seen in children who experienced neglect or inconsistent caregiving

Withdrawn behavior; failure to seek comfort


5. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

Also occurs in children

Overly familiar behavior with strangers; lack of social boundaries

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