Trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects that go far beyond the event itself. Over time, trauma-related disorders can result. By learning to recognize the signs, causes, and types of trauma-related disorders, individuals can begin to find the support and treatment they need to recover and regain a sense of safety and control.
What Are Trauma-Related Disorders?
Trauma-related disorders are psychological disturbances related to traumatic experiences. These include things like PTSD, acute stress disorder, reactive attachment disorder, and others. These disorders can affect how a person thinks, feels, and responds to the world around them, often leading to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, emotional numbness, and difficulty trusting others.
Trauma can stem from a single event such as an accident or natural disaster, or from ongoing experiences, such as abuse or neglect. Left untreated, trauma-related disorders can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Common Causes of Trauma
Trauma can arise from a wide range of experiences.
Some of the most common include:
- Abuse or neglect (physical, emotional, or sexual)
- Combat or military experiences
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.)
- Serious accidents or injuries
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Domestic violence or assault
- Witnessing violence or death
- Childhood trauma or adverse experiences (ACEs)
Each person’s response to trauma is unique, and not everyone exposed to traumatic events will develop a disorder. Factors such as resilience, social support, and coping mechanisms can play an important role in recovery.
Types of Trauma-Related Disorders
There are several recognized trauma-related disorders, each with distinct symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Common types include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Characterized by intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance following a traumatic event.
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD but occurs within the first month after trauma and may resolve or develop into PTSD.
- Adjustment Disorders: Emotional or behavioral reactions to a stressful event that feel out of proportion to the situation.
- Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): Typically seen in children who have experienced severe neglect or inconsistent caregiving, leading to difficulties forming healthy attachments.
- Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): Another childhood trauma disorder involving overly familiar behavior with strangers due to early neglect.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Results from prolonged or repeated trauma, often involving feelings of shame, guilt, or emotional dysregulation.
While everyone processes trauma differently, some individuals develop long-term psychological symptoms that meet the criteria for a trauma-related disorder. These conditions often involve intense fear, helplessness, or horror that persists long after the traumatic event has passed.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This is the most well-known trauma-related disorder. PTSD affects how the brain processes and responds to danger, leaving individuals in a heightened state of alert, long after the threat has passed. Over time, this can interfere with relationships, work, sleep, and overall quality of life.
PTSD is most commonly found in military veterans and first responders (EMS, fire fighters, and police. It can also develop in the wake of experiencing sexual assault, natural disasters, serious accidents, or other life-threatening experiences.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but they often fall into several key categories.
Common signs may include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks that cause a person to relive the traumatic event
- Nightmares or distressing dreams related to the trauma
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that serve as reminders of the event
- Emotional numbness or detachment from others
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Heightened startle response or feeling constantly on edge
- Guilt, shame, or self-blame related to the trauma
Left untreated, PTSD can lead to depression, anxiety, substance use, and other co-occurring disorders as individuals attempt to manage their symptoms on their own.
DSM-V Criteria for PTSD
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed when symptoms develop after exposure to trauma and persist for more than one month.
These include:
- Exposure to Danger: Directly experiencing, witnessing, or learning about a traumatic event involving death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
- Re-Experiencing Symptoms: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares that cause emotional or physical distress.
- Avoidance Symptoms: Steering clear of thoughts, feelings, people, or places that bring up memories of the trauma.
- Cognitive and Mood Symptoms: Persistent negative thoughts, guilt, shame, detachment from others, or loss of interest in activities.
- Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms: Irritability, hypervigilance, being easily startled, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating.
- Symptoms Cause Distress and Impairment: Symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or work.
- Duration of Symptoms: Symptoms persist for longer than one month after the trauma.
- Source of Symptoms: The disturbance is not caused by substance use, medication, or another medical condition.
Recognizing these criteria can help individuals and loved ones better understand how trauma affects the mind and body. While PTSD can feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that effective treatments are available. With the right support and trauma-informed care, healing and recovery are entirely possible.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as Complex Trauma or C-PTSD, is a trauma-related disorder that develops after prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events—often in situations where escape or safety was not possible. Unlike traditional PTSD, which may stem from a single traumatic incident, C-PTSD typically results from chronic trauma experienced over time.
The negative experiences that make up Complex Trauma usually start in early childhood, are persistent, and are caused by other people. They typically occur within a person’s early relationships, such as with parents.
Signs and Symptoms of C-PTSD
While C-PTSD includes many of the same symptoms as PTSD, it often presents with deeper and more persistent psychological effects.
Common symptoms include:
- Intense or uncontrollable emotions, mood swings, or chronic feelings of emptiness
- Persistent shame, guilt, or a sense of worthlessness
- Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships
- Chronic feelings of helplessness or being permanently damaged
- Dissociation or feeling detached from one’s body or surroundings
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks related to prolonged trauma
- Avoidance behaviors and emotional numbness
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty maintaining boundaries or a tendency to re-enter abusive relationships
These symptoms can make everyday life feel overwhelming, but with trauma-informed treatment and consistent support, healing and emotional stability are absolutely possible.
ICD-11 Criteria for C-PTSD
According to the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is diagnosed when a person meets the core criteria for PTSD—along with additional symptoms related to long-term trauma and difficulties with self-identity and relationships.
To be diagnosed with C-PTSD, an individual must experience at least one of the three core PTSD symptoms:
- Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders, thoughts, or feelings associated with the trauma
- A heightened sense of threat or hyperarousal, such as being easily startled, irritable, or constantly on guard
- In addition to these PTSD symptoms, the ICD-11 requires the presence of three key features that reflect the impact of prolonged or repeated trauma:
- Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions, frequent mood swings, or feelings of emptiness and hopelessness
- Negative self-concept: Deep feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness, often accompanied by a sense of failure or being permanently damaged
- Relationship problems: Persistent difficulties in forming or maintaining close relationships, distrust of others, or social withdrawal
Together, these symptoms distinguish C-PTSD from traditional PTSD by highlighting how extended trauma can alter a person’s sense of self, emotional world, and ability to connect with others.
PTSD Vs C-PTSD
While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) share several overlapping symptoms, they differ in their causes, complexity, and the depth of their emotional and relational effects.
PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, assault, or natural disaster. Symptoms often include re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding reminders, and heightened arousal or hypervigilance.
C-PTSD, on the other hand, arises from chronic or repeated trauma—often in situations where the individual feels powerless or trapped, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. In addition to the core PTSD symptoms, people with C-PTSD often struggle with emotional regulation, self-esteem, and trust due to the long-term impact of trauma on their sense of safety and identity.
Both conditions are serious and can significantly affect quality of life, but C-PTSD tends to be more pervasive, requiring longer-term, trauma-informed care.
Dangers of PTSD and C-PTSD
Without proper treatment, both PTSD and C-PTSD can have serious and lasting effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. Chronic trauma-related stress can disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, leading to cycles of distress and self-destructive behavior.
Some of the most common dangers include:
- Substance use or addiction
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Isolation and relationship breakdowns
- Sleep problems and chronic fatigue
- Occupational and academic impairment
Over time, untreated PTSD and C-PTSD can erode a person’s sense of safety, identity, and connection to others. However, with evidence-based treatment and compassionate support, individuals can learn to process trauma, restore emotional balance, and rebuild meaningful lives.
FAQ about Trauma
Trauma is a complex phenomenon – don’t feel embarrassed if you don’t understand everything about the topic. Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions regarding trauma.
Unprocessed trauma often shows up as emotional or behavioral patterns that seem out of proportion to current events. A person may experience flashbacks, emotional numbness, irritability, or difficulty trusting others. They might also struggle to regulate emotions, avoid certain memories or places, or feel stuck in a cycle of fear and distress.
Signs that someone may be traumatized include sudden mood changes, withdrawal from relationships, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle responses. They might seem detached or emotionally distant, have difficulty sleeping, or experience unexplained anger or sadness. Some people also develop coping mechanisms like substance use or overworking to distract from painful emotions.
Unhealed trauma can manifest physically through chronic pain, muscle tension, fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. The body often holds onto stress responses from trauma, leading to ongoing symptoms such as shallow breathing, restlessness, or a constant sense of tension or unease.
Trauma can make it difficult to feel safe or connected in relationships. Individuals may fear abandonment, struggle with trust, or have difficulty setting healthy boundaries. Some may become overly dependent on others for validation, while others withdraw or avoid intimacy altogether. These patterns often stem from deep-rooted fears of rejection, loss, or betrayal.
Trauma-blocking behaviors are actions people take to suppress or avoid painful emotions and memories. This may include substance use, compulsive behaviors, overworking, excessive screen time, or constant busyness. While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they often prevent true healing by keeping the underlying trauma unaddressed.
Trauma splitting refers to a coping mechanism where a person mentally separates conflicting emotions or experiences to protect themselves from distress. For example, they might view people as entirely “good” or “bad,” or disconnect from their own emotions to avoid pain. While splitting can help a person survive overwhelming trauma, it can also interfere with emotional regulation and healthy relationships if left unresolved.
Treatment For Trauma at Aliya Health Group
At Aliya Health Group, we understand that healing from trauma requires more than addressing symptoms—it means rebuilding a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. Our trauma treatment programs are designed to meet each client where they are, offering compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive environment.
Our multidisciplinary team uses trauma-informed treatment approaches that help individuals process painful experiences and develop healthier ways to cope. Depending on each person’s needs, trauma treatment at Aliya Health Group may include:
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation
- Somatic therapies to reconnect mind and body
- Group and family therapy for interpersonal healing and support
- Medication management when clinically appropriate
Our goal is to help clients not only manage trauma symptoms but also rediscover purpose, balance, and connection in their lives. With the right support, recovery from trauma is possible.
Treatment for Trauma Disorders Near You
If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of trauma, know that help is available. Aliya Health Group offers trauma treatment programs across multiple locations, making it easier to access the care you need close to home.
Our trauma-informed facilities provide a safe and healing environment where individuals can address the root causes of trauma, learn healthy coping strategies, and begin building a life grounded in recovery and resilience.
Whether you’re experiencing PTSD, C-PTSD, or other trauma-related symptoms, our experienced clinicians are here to guide you through every step of the healing process.
Contact Aliya Health Group today to learn more about trauma treatment programs near you and take the first step toward lasting recovery.