Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event that can disrupt a person’s sense of safety and well-being. While many individuals experience temporary difficulties after a stressful incident, others may develop long-lasting symptoms that require clinical intervention. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating these complex mental health conditions. By providing a combination of therapy and medical management, psychiatrists can help patients navigate the symptoms associated with traumatic experiences.
Trauma and Causes
Trauma stems from events like natural disasters, serious accidents, or physical assaults. Patients may struggle with the aftermath of childhood neglect or domestic instability. A psychiatrist identifies these triggers during an initial evaluation to determine the best course of action. While some people recover quickly from a traumatic event, others face chronic challenges that affect their daily lives. Because trauma is subjective, an event that does not cause trauma for one person might cause trauma for another.
Clinical Treatments and Interventions
Medical professionals use different methods to address the underlying causes of emotional distress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients identify negative thought patterns, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can change the way the brain stores traumatic memories. These therapies allow individuals to process their experiences under professional supervision. When traditional talk therapy is insufficient, a physician might introduce more targeted medical interventions.
Pharmaceutical options may provide relief for the symptoms of trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Antidepressant medications treat symptoms such as low mood and fatigue, and sleep aids may help patients achieve restorative sleep. When therapy and treatment are trauma-informed, it means the physician pays particular attention to the traumatic history and boundaries of the patient; this type of treatment can result in better long-term outcomes for the patient.
Symptoms and Professional Help
With trauma-related disorders, persistent symptoms may indicate that a person needs professional support to achieve a full recovery from trauma. These symptoms can disrupt work performance and personal relationships. Here are some symptoms that can signal the need for professional help to address trauma:
- Frequent nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Intrusive thoughts that interfere with daily activities
- Emotional numbness or loss of interest in previous hobbies
- Intense physical reactions to triggers
- Avoidance of people or places reminiscent of the traumatic event
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Recovery may be gradual; although self-care techniques like exercise and mindfulness are helpful, they are not substitutes for professional medical care. Understanding the signs of trauma-related disorders, such as PTSD and CPTSD, helps individuals decide when to transition from self-management to clinical support.
Find a Psychiatrist Near You
Making progress with healing trauma may require medical expertise and treatments such as therapy and medication. While they may be helpful, tools such as breath work and meditation are not substitutes for professional interventions. Professional psychiatric care can provide tools and treatment that help people process traumatic events and treat the symptoms of trauma-related disorders. For more information about how a physician can help with treating underlying trauma and its symptoms, consult a psychiatrist near you.
