Trauma and stress play a significant role in the development of certain disorders. That’s why the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-5) groups these two factors into a single category. It refers to these as trauma and stressor related disorders. With that said, which disorders are in this category, and how can people get help?

What Are Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders?

trauma and stressor related disorders trauma counseling center of laTrauma and stressor related disorders are mental illnesses that develop as the result of stressful or traumatic events. While the incidents can happen at any point during people’s lives, they’re more susceptible to trauma at a young age.

It’s important to keep in mind that this category of disorders was once anxiety disorders. The DSM-5 changed because many people didn’t show signs of anxiety. They did, however, show signs of anger, aggression, and dissociation.

Characteristics and Symptoms

Trauma and stressor related disorders are psychological reactions that people develop because of stress and trauma. The source of the trauma or stress often differs from person to person. Some of the most common causes, though, include sexual assault, physical assault, combat, or an accident.

The brain has the ability to cope with stress and trauma healthily. However, sometimes it fails to process trauma as it should. Children are the most susceptible since their brains haven’t fully developed yet. With the inability to cope with the trauma, the brain can develop mental disorders.

Which Disorders Fit Into This Category?

Several mental illnesses are trauma and stressor related disorders. However, some of the most common that people have include:

  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Acute stress disorder
  • Reactive attachment disorder (RAD)
  • Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED)
  • Adjustment disorder

While people are familiar with some of these, they might not know about others. For example, many of them haven’t heard of DSED. This disorder involves engaging in overly familiar or inappropriate behavior with strangers or unfamiliar persons. It typically develops because of emotional neglect or the insufficient care that they receive during childhood.

RAD is a disorder that is typically present in children before they turn 5-years-old. It causes problems with emotional attachment. For instance, those who suffer from RAD don’t usually seek comfort when they’re under distress. They also show minimal emotion to others in general.

Seeking Treatment for These Disorders

People should never attempt to overcome these disorders alone. It’s also important that treatment involves dealing with the underlying source of the trauma. Until psychiatrists can help people reprocess the trauma and stress, the problem is likely to continue.

Some establishments offer trauma therapy to target past trauma specifically. Pairing it with other talk therapy techniques can help people overcome their disorders in healthy and safe ways. Some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles Can Help You

Do you need help getting over trauma from your childhood? If so, consider getting help at Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles. We can provide the support that you need to reprocess a past trauma. Some of our services include:

At the Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles, we offer treatment for both men and women. We believe in providing a sense of clarity. We also know the importance of helping people get over trauma and stressor related disorders. Our boutique offers continued care after treatment, as well.

Don’t let childhood trauma or everyday stress weigh you down. Learn more about trauma and stressor related disorders. Reach out to the Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles today at 310.720.8200.