Trauma is the Greek word for wound. In mental health, a person may experience a life-threatening event directly or indirectly. There are many sources of trauma, such as physical, sexual, or institutional abuse, intergenerational trauma, disasters, and technology. These may induce a sense of powerlessness, fear, a constant state of alert, recurrent distressing memories, or avoidant behavior in an attempt to suppress memories, thoughts, and feelings about the trauma.

 

PTSD, when the subjective understanding of an experience opens an emotional wound. 

 

The DSM-5TR (2022) classifies PTSD under a new category called Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. The four clusters of symptoms are:

–Reexperiencing: Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks, intrusive images, and memories.

–Avoidance: Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings. Withdrawal and avoidance of family, friends, and activities that the person once enjoyed. Avoidance can lead to feelings of detachment and isolation.

–Hyper-arousal: Hypervigilance, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep; irritability or numbness; outbursts of anger; difficulty concentrating and being “jumpy” or easily startled and helplessness.

–Negative alterations in cognitions and mood: Persistent and profound negative memories, thoughts, and feelings, such as shame, blame, and estrangement.

 

Do you feel troubled?

 

The International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11, 2019) emphasizes the personal ramifications and calls it complex posttraumatic symptom disorder (C-PTSD). Therefore, the ICD-11 includes the PTSD criteria (reexperiencing, avoidance, hypervigilance and changes in cognition) and adds disturbances of self-organization: dysregulation of emotion, disruption of activities, detachment feelings, and feelings of being permanently damaged. In addition, C-PTSD is associated with repeated traumatic events.

 

Do you need someone to listen?

 

There are different approaches to therapy. As with any psychological treatment, the first step is assessment. At Roth Clinic, you will find that treatment is tailored to each case’s needs and particular demands. Dr. Roth is a highly empathic, non-judgmental psychoanalyst with over 15 years of experience helping individuals feel better. Working together you will be able to regain confidence and optimism in your life and in your loved ones.

 

Start the healing journey