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Understanding and Implementing Trauma-Informed Care for Clients in Pain: Summary
diagnosis, often results from trauma, but not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD in children include: • Bed-wetting • Changes in language or communication • Acting out the traumatic event during playtime • Being unusually clingy • Disruptive
LEARNING TIP! The way a person responds after a traumatic event depends on: • Type and severity of the trauma • Whether they are active or helpless • The amount of available support following the incident
• Disrespectful • Destruction • Guilt • Feelings of revenge
To receive an official diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must be active for a minimum of 1 month and affect their ability to perform everyday activities. Additionally, individuals must present with: • At least one re-experiencing symptom • At least three avoidance symptoms • At least two negative alterations in mood and cognition • At least two hyperarousal symptoms Authors have pointed to the diversity of trauma, suggesting that a single diagnosis of PTSD should be replaced by a variety of trauma-related disorders. | HEALTHCARE CONSIDERATION Implementing trauma-informed care focuses on creating a safe, respectful environment that prioritizes clear, compassionate communication; active listening to patients’ concerns; supporting resiliency; and being mindful of potential triggers to avoid retraumatization. In addition, TIC emphasizes collaborations with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive care and referring to mental health professionals as needed. Three Cognitive Patterns 1. Thoughts about self 2. Thoughts about others/environment 3. Thoughts about the future The Way a Person Responds after a Traumatic Event Depends on: • Type and severity of the trauma • Whether they are active or helpless • The amount of available support following the incident • Other current stressors ( capacity ) • Personality and subconscious beliefs • Natural levels of resilience • Previous traumatic experiences Research indicates that survivors who choose not to process their trauma can be just as psychologically healthy as those who do. Everyone will have their unique way of coping.
• Other current stressors (capacity) • Personality and subconscious beliefs • Natural levels of resilience • Previous traumatic experiences
Diagnosing PTSD in America Formal diagnosis should be done during an evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist. PTSD symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the event but may not appear until months or years later. There are 4 types of PTSD Symptoms: • Re-experiencing : Experiencing the traumatic event through distressing recollections, flashbacks, and nightmares • Avoidance : Becoming emotionally numb and avoiding places, people, and activities that could be retraumatizing • Negative alterations in mood and cognition : Feeling cut off from others and negative changes in mood, beliefs, or memory • Hyperarousal : Difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, or being easily irritated and angered We typically recover well from traumatic experiences without severe long-term consequences and minimal distress. Most of us are able to recover with time and healthy social support.
LEARNING TIP! Symptoms of PTSD include: • Anxiety of severe fear • Feeling out of control • Disorientation • Overwhelm • Irritability/hostility • Mood swings • Shame • Feelings of fragility and/or vulnerability • GI Disruptions
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