🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will:

Understand what trauma and stress-related disorders are
Identify common types of trauma-related conditions
Recognise signs and symptoms of trauma
Understand causes and risk factors
Learn about treatment, support, and recovery

🧠 What Is Trauma?

Trauma is:

👉 A deeply distressing or disturbing experience
👉 Something that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope

⚠️ Examples of Trauma

Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
Accidents or injuries
Violence or crime
War or conflict
Sudden loss of a loved one
Natural disasters

💡 Important

👉 Not everyone who experiences trauma develops a disorder
👉 People respond differently to trauma

🧩 Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders

These conditions occur when trauma or stress causes ongoing psychological difficulties

😨 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Develops after a traumatic event
Long-term symptoms

Includes:

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Severe anxiety
Avoidance of triggers

⚡ Acute Stress Disorder

Similar to PTSD
Happens immediately after trauma
Lasts 3 days to 1 month

⚖️ Adjustment Disorders

Emotional or behavioural response to a stressful life event
Example:
- Divorce
- Job loss
- Moving house

🔄 Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

Caused by long-term or repeated trauma
(e.g. ongoing abuse)

Includes:

Emotional regulation difficulties
Relationship problems
Negative self-image

👶 Childhood Trauma Disorders

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Difficulty forming emotional bonds
Often due to neglect

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

Overly familiar behaviour with strangers
Lack of appropriate boundaries

⚠️ Common Symptoms of Trauma

🧠 Intrusive Symptoms

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Distressing memories

🚪 Avoidance

Avoiding people, places, or thoughts
Emotional avoidance

⚡ Hyperarousal

Easily startled
Constant alertness (“on edge”)
Irritability
Sleep problems

😔 Mood & Thinking Changes

Guilt or shame
Emotional numbness
Difficulty concentrating
Negative thoughts

🏥 Physical Symptoms

Rapid heartbeat
Nausea
Chronic pain
Fatigue

🧬 Causes & Risk Factors

Trauma-related disorders are caused by distressing experiences, such as:

Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
Violence or crime
War or combat
Serious accidents
Sudden bereavement
Long-term neglect

⚠️ Risk Factors

Repeated trauma
Lack of support
Childhood adversity
Existing mental health conditions

🔄 Additional Trauma Responses

Some people may also experience:

Dissociation (feeling detached from reality)
Anhedonia (loss of pleasure)
Anger or aggression
Withdrawal from others

🛠️ Treatment & Support

🧠 Psychological Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Helps manage thoughts and reactions

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Specifically designed for trauma recovery

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Helps process traumatic memories

💊 Medication

Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medication

👥 Support Systems

Family and friends
Support groups
Mental health professionals

🧘 Self-Help Strategies

Grounding techniques
Relaxation and breathing
Routine and structure

🚑 When to Seek Help

Seek help if:

Symptoms persist
Daily life is affected
You feel overwhelmed

🚨 Urgent Help Needed If:

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Severe distress or panic
Risk to self or others

👉 Contact:

Emergency services
Crisis hotlines (e.g. 988 in the U.S.)

🌟 Recovery Message

👉 Recovery is possible
👉 Healing takes time
👉 Support makes a difference

❓ Module 4 – Quick Quiz

1. Trauma is:
A) A minor inconvenience
B) A deeply distressing experience
C) A physical illness only
D) Not important

2. PTSD can include:
A) Flashbacks
B) Nightmares
C) Avoidance
D) All of the above

3. Acute Stress Disorder lasts:
A) Years
B) 3 days to 1 month
C) A lifetime
D) 1 day only

4. Which is a trauma-related disorder in children?
A) RAD
B) DSED
C) Both
D) Neither

5. Which is a treatment option?
A) Therapy
B) Medication
C) Support systems
D) All of the above

Thursday, 30 April 2026

📘 Module 4: Trauma, Abuse & Stress-Related Disorders