Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders are a group of mental health disorders that are caused or exacerbated by exposure to traumatic or stressful events. These disorders are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and include:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, or combat. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, and hypervigilance.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD, but symptoms occur immediately following a traumatic event and last for less than a month.
Adjustment Disorders: Occur when an individual has difficulty coping with a stressful life event, such as divorce, job loss, or a serious illness.
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): A rare condition that can develop in children who have experienced severe neglect or maltreatment in early childhood.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): Another rare condition that can develop in children who have experienced severe neglect or maltreatment in early childhood. This disorder is characterized by indiscriminate, overly friendly behavior towards strangers.
Other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder and unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder: These categories are used when symptoms do not meet the criteria for any of the above disorders but are still significant enough to cause distress or impairment.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic or stressful event will develop a trauma- or stressor-related disorder. The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary widely between individuals. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a trauma- or stressor-related disorder, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 