Trauma and PTSD
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Mental Health Management and Counselling course at London School of Planning and Management. 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 anxiety, intrusive memories, and avoidance behaviors. However, ASD symptoms typically last less than a month and do not include the full range of PTSD symptoms.
**Avoidance #
** A common symptom of PTSD where an individual deliberately avoids people, places, or situations that remind them of the traumatic event. This can lead to social isolation, reduced quality of life, and difficulty in engaging in everyday activities.
**Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) #
** A type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with mental health conditions, such as PTSD. CBT can help individuals with PTSD to identify and challenge negative thoughts, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall quality of life.
**Complex PTSD (C #
PTSD):** A type of PTSD that results from prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. C-PTSD symptoms include difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-perception, and interpersonal problems, in addition to the core PTSD symptoms.
**Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) #
** A type of group therapy used to help individuals process and cope with a traumatic event. CISD typically involves a structured discussion of the event, its impact on participants, and coping strategies for managing related stress and emotions.
**Dissociation #
** A common symptom of PTSD where an individual experiences a disconnection from their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. Dissociation can range from mild, such as feeling detached from oneself, to severe, such as complete amnesia for the traumatic event.
**Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) #
** A type of therapy used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. EMDR involves guiding the individual through a series of eye movements while recalling the traumatic event, which can help to reduce the intensity of the associated emotions and memories.
**Flashbacks #
** A common symptom of PTSD where an individual experiences a sudden and vivid re-experiencing of the traumatic event. Flashbacks can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as sights, sounds, or smells, and can be distressing and disorienting.
**Hyperarousal #
** A common symptom of PTSD where an individual experiences a heightened state of alertness and anxiety. Hyperarousal can lead to difficulties with sleep, irritability, and exaggerated startle responses.
**Intrusive Memories #
** A common symptom of PTSD where an individual experiences unwanted and distressing memories of the traumatic event. Intrusive memories can be triggered by a variety of stimuli and can interfere with daily functioning.
**Moral Injury #
** A type of psychological harm that can occur after an individual experiences or witnesses an event that violates their personal moral beliefs or values. Moral injury can result in feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, and can contribute to the development of PTSD and other mental health conditions.
**Negative Self #
Perception:** A symptom of PTSD where an individual has a negative view of themselves, their experiences, or their future. Negative self-perception can lead to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem.
**Post #
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):** A mental health condition that can occur after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms include avoidance, dissociation, hyperarousal, intrusive memories, negative self-perception, and other cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes.
**Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) #
** A type of therapy used to treat PTSD that involves gradually and repeatedly exposing the individual to the traumatic event or related stimuli. PET can help to reduce the intensity of the associated emotions and memories, and improve overall quality of life.
**Psychoeducation #
** A type of therapy that involves educating the individual about their mental health condition and related symptoms, treatments, and coping strategies. Psychoeducation can help to reduce stigma, improve self-efficacy, and promote recovery.
**Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) #
** A type of psychological distress that can occur in individuals who are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, such as healthcare workers, therapists, or family members. STS symptoms include avoidance, intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and other cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes.
**Stress #
** A normal response to challenging or threatening situations, characterized by physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Chronic or prolonged stress can contribute to the development of mental health conditions, such as PTSD.
**Trauma #
** A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-term effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Trauma can result from a variety of experiences, such as abuse, neglect, violence, or disasters, and can lead to the development of PTSD and other mental health conditions.
**Trauma #
Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):** A type of therapy used to treat children and adolescents with PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. TF-CBT involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as exposure and cognitive restructuring, and family-based interventions.
**Vicarious Trauma #
** A type of psychological distress that can occur in individuals who are repeatedly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, such as therapists, first responders, or social workers. Vicarious trauma can result in changes in worldview, identity, and relationships, and can contribute to the development of PTSD and other mental health conditions.