Wikipedia of Stress&Trauma 

In psychology and psychiatry, trauma refers to the psychological, emotional, and physiological response to events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. Trauma can arise from a single event or prolonged exposure to adverse circumstances.

Core Features:

• Involves actual or perceived threat to life, bodily integrity, or safety.

• Often accompanied by feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror.

• Defined not only by the event but by the subjective experience and its impact on memory and regulation.

Clinical Relevance:

• Serves as the foundation for diagnoses such as Acute Stress Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Complex PTSD.

• Trauma-informed approaches emphasize safety, empowerment, and avoiding re-traumatization.

Related Concepts: PTSD, Complex PTSD, Dissociation, Stress Response.

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Acute vs. Chronic Trauma

Trauma can be categorized by its duration and recurrence into acute and chronic forms.

Acute Trauma:

• Results from a single, isolated incident (e.g., accident, natural disaster, assault).

• May produce shock, disorientation, intrusive memories, and hyperarousal.

• Can resolve spontaneously, persist, or progress into PTSD.

Chronic Trauma:

• Results from prolonged or repeated exposure (e.g., domestic violence, long-term abuse, war exposure).

• Associated with cumulative effects: persistent hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, relational mistrust.

• Frequently linked to Complex PTSD and somatic health issues.

Clinical Relevance: Differentiating between acute and chronic exposure is important for prognosis, treatment planning, and expected recovery trajectories.

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Complex Trauma

Complex trauma refers to repeated and prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in childhood or in situations where escape is limited.

Features:

• Includes interpersonal violations (e.g., abuse, neglect, captivity).

• Produces difficulties beyond PTSD: chronic shame, self-blame, and relational dysfunction.

• ICD-11 recognizes Complex PTSD as a distinct diagnosis, characterized by PTSD symptoms plus disturbances in self-organization (DSO).

Clinical Relevance:
Treatment often requires phased approaches: stabilization, trauma processing, and integration. EMDR, TF-CBT, and STAIR are frequently applied.

- Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships

- Overworking, burnout, or emotional exhaustion

- Guilt, shame, or feeling "stuck in the past"​​

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