Trauma Assessment and Diagnosis
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Trauma Psychology course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) #
** A short-term condition that occurs after a traumatic event, characterized by symptoms similar to PTSD, such as avoidance, intrusive memories, and anxiety. ASD typically resolves within a few days to a month, whereas PTSD symptoms persist for longer than a month.
**Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) #
** Negative events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, which can increase the risk of developing mental and physical health problems in adulthood.
**Avoidance #
** A common symptom of trauma-related disorders, involving the deliberate avoidance of thoughts, feelings, or situations that remind the individual of the traumatic event.
**Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) #
** A type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional well-being. CBT has been found to be effective in treating trauma-related disorders, such as PTSD.
**Complex Post #
Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD):** A condition that results from prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, characterized by symptoms such as avoidance, intrusive memories, anxiety, and difficulties with emotional regulation and relationships.
**Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) #
** A group intervention used to help individuals process a traumatic event and reduce the risk of developing PTSD. CISD typically involves a structured discussion of the event, led by a trained facilitator.
**Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) #
** The standard classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health disorders, including trauma-related disorders.
**Dissociation #
** A coping mechanism used to disconnect from reality during a traumatic event, characterized by feelings of detachment, depersonalization, or derealization.
**Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) #
** A type of therapy used to treat trauma-related disorders, involving the use of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories.
**Flashbacks #
** Intrusive memories of a traumatic event, characterized by a sudden and vivid reliving of the experience, often accompanied by strong emotional reactions.
**Grief #
** The emotional response to the loss of a loved one or other significant loss, which can be complicated by trauma.
**Hyperarousal #
** A common symptom of trauma-related disorders, characterized by feelings of heightened anxiety, irritability, and hypervigilance.
**Intrusive memories #
** Unwanted memories of a traumatic event that come to mind unbidden, often accompanied by strong emotional reactions.
**Mentalization #
** The ability to understand one's own and others' mental states, which can be impaired in individuals with trauma-related disorders.
**Neglect #
** A type of childhood trauma, characterized by the absence of appropriate care and attention from caregivers.
**Panic attack #
** A sudden and intense episode of fear or anxiety, which can be triggered by reminders of a traumatic event.
**Post #
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):** A trauma-related disorder characterized by avoidance, intrusive memories, anxiety, and hyperarousal, which persist for longer than a month.
**Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy #
** A type of therapy used to treat trauma-related disorders, involving the gradual and repeated exposure to reminders of the traumatic event.
**Psychological First Aid (PFA) #
** An early intervention used to support individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, involving the provision of emotional support, practical assistance, and information.
**Somatic symptoms #
** Physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, or sleep disturbances, which can be caused or exacerbated by trauma.
**Stress #
** The body's response to a challenging or threatening situation, which can be acute or chronic.
**Substance use disorders #
** Disorders characterized by the excessive use of substances, such as drugs or alcohol, which can be caused or exacerbated by trauma.
**Trauma #
** A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-term effects on an individual's mental and physical health.
**Trauma #
focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT):** A type of therapy used to treat trauma-related disorders in children and adolescents, involving a combination of cognitive behavioral techniques and trauma-focused interventions.
**Vicarious trauma #
** The emotional impact on individuals who work with traumatized populations, characterized by symptoms such as avoidance, intrusive memories, and anxiety.
**Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) #
** A type of therapy used to treat trauma-related disorders, involving the use of virtual reality technology to simulate reminders of the traumatic event.
It is important to note that trauma can have a profound impact on an individual'… #
Mental health professionals should approach trauma assessment and diagnosis with sensitivity, empathy, and cultural competence, taking into account the individual's cultural background, social context, and personal history.
In addition to the terms listed above, there are many other factors that can imp… #
Mental health professionals should also consider the potential impact of comorbid conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders, on the assessment and diagnosis of trauma-related disorders.
Ultimately, the goal of trauma assessment and diagnosis is to provide individual… #
By using the terms and concepts outlined in this glossary, mental health professionals can better understand the complex nature of trauma and its effects, and provide individuals with the support and care they need to heal and recover.