Trauma and PTSD – exploring the differences

Trauma is an unexpected event or series of events that can have devastating effects physically and/or psychologically.

It could be caused by an accident, a one-off catastrophic event, or ongoing traumatic experiences. The two different types can be summarised as a:

• Single incident, unexpected trauma
• Complex, ongoing/repetitive trauma

People respond to trauma in different ways. For some, the issues settle; regretfully for a smaller percentage, the effects of this can be so severe that it interferes with an individual’s ability to live a normal life – their whole life is disrupted.

Those who experience trauma more than once, or repeatedly, sometimes experience behavioural, social and/or emotional issues afterwards, and this can sometimes be in the form of PTSD.

Some theories of psychology mention that for people who develop PTSD, traumatic experiences are stored in unhelpful ways that are not processed correctly – they are re-lived again and again.

Important things to consider about PTSD:

• PTSD is not a normal response to severe stress
• PTSD is not an inevitable response to stress
• Most trauma-exposed people do not develop PTSD
• Many individuals will recover quickly from PTSD

To support the above, it is important for GPs to spot the signs and symptoms of trauma early, in order to offer immediate and the most appropriate care and treatment.

Reactions to trauma can include:

• Numbness
• Fear
• Depression/elation
• Anger and irritability
• Guilt
• Impaired sleep
• Hopelessness
• Cognitive and perceptual changes
• Avoidance
• Flashback
• Hyper arousal/hyper vigilance

Those who have a history of early life trauma in particular, should absolutely be offered psychotherapy as well as pharmacotherapy as early as possible, to support their recovery journey.

Factors which can influence PTSD occurring

• Lack of a support network
• On-going life stresses
• Lack of economic resources
• Social or educational disadvantages
• Displacement

Where can you get help?

It is important that a trauma victim is not just encouraged to ‘move on’ and are supported to resolve the PTSD as well. Initial distress and anxiety is in fact, very common.

If you know someone who has experienced trauma, it is important to avoid phrases such as:

• Time is a great healer
• Wipe the slate clean

Instead, support to those involved should be along practical lines, which is evidenced to reduce avoidance and intrusive symptoms.

There are steps you can take to get support for trauma, including:

• Your GP
• A crisis support service
• Non-statutory services, for example CRUSE and Victim Support
• Psychological First Aid - a technique designed to reduce the occurrence of PTSD
• Self-help for mental health such as physical exercise

Those at increased risk of developing PTSD from experiencing a trauma may need more intensive support. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been known to be extremely beneficial for more acute stress disorders.

This form of treatment helps correct mistaken beliefs such as ‘The world in entirely dangerous’ or ‘I am totally incompetent’ and the goal is to reduce anxiety or emotional distress by teaching patients to identify, evaluate and modify negative thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is another effective treatment for PTSD recommended by NICE guidelines. This is considered to be a ‘third-wave’ cognitive behavioural technique which combines elements of CBT with exposure.

Priory has a nationwide network of hospitals and wellbeing centres which can provide support and treatment for those suffering after a trauma. Our expert consultants and therapists can provide comprehensive care, taking into account:

• Co-morbidities such as drug and alcohol misuse, along with co-morbid conditions such as depression
• Traumatic bereavement as this can complicate treatment
• What therapy should be offered in terms of individual signs, symptoms and risk management needed