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Traumatic stress is moderate depression and anxiety caused by stressful events. It can be managed with therapy and medication. It may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, which is more severe and complicated. Treatment involves medication and therapy to identify and treat psychological origins. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
“Traumatic stress” is a term that is used to describe the development of moderate levels of depression and anxiety after experiencing one or more events that have created a significant level of stress in an individual’s life. The term itself is considered more of a popular name for this type of phenomenon and not a truly medical term for a condition. Considered part of the family of adjustment disorders, traumatic stress can usually be managed with the use of therapies and medications for short periods of time until the individual adjusts to changed circumstances and is ready to re-establish some type of regular routine.
The concept of traumatic stress is sometimes thought to be a precursor to a more serious condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder or PSTD. Typically, an individual coping with traumatic stress will be able to continue functioning on many levels as the condition is treated, albeit with reduced capacity. In contrast, the emotional distress and subsequent physical manifestations associated with PSTD tend to be considerably more severe and complicated, often impairing the sufferer’s ability to engage in a wide range of normal activities. The treatment process for PSTD is often more intense and thorough and will usually take longer as part of the recovery process.
Treatment of traumatic stress involves many of the same methods used for any type of nervous disorder. As a precaution, most doctors will consider the possibility of physical origins for any anxiety or depression that may be present, such as a malfunctioning thyroid gland. Once any physical origins are eliminated from consideration, the course of treatment will often involve a combination of medications to relieve symptoms while using therapy to identify and treat the psychological origins of the condition. As part of therapy, the patient may be able to express any emotions related to the events that triggered the health problem and, with the therapist’s help, be able to begin to make sense of those events. Over time, the patient recovers from the trauma and is able to resume participating in normal activities.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of traumatic stress is normally handled by a qualified medical professional. This is important, as a correct diagnosis paves the way for effective treatment. When diagnosed early, treatment of the emotional and nervous disturbances associated with the condition is usually easier and more effective in the short term. Failure to seek help early can provide negative emotions more time to deepen, requiring a more comprehensive course of treatment to resolve.
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