Single and Complex Trauma Flashcards
What is single event trauma?
Single event trauma refers to a one-off traumatic event limited to a single point in time, such as natural disasters, assaults, terrorist acts, automobile accidents, or medical trauma.
How do most people respond to single event trauma?
Most people recover from single event trauma without intervention. However, some may develop mental health issues like PTSD.
What is complex trauma?
Complex trauma, also known as relational or developmental trauma, occurs from repeated or sustained traumatic events, often in an interpersonal and invasive context, such as child abuse or domestic violence.
How does complex trauma typically develop?
Complex trauma often develops in the context of relationships that must be endured, such as child abuse, neglect, or ongoing domestic violence.
Why is complex trauma more severe than single event trauma?
Complex trauma is more severe because it often occurs early in life, is repeated, and impacts development, leading to widespread and long-term effects.
What are some examples of complex trauma in adults?
Examples include domestic violence, refugee and asylum seeker trauma, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and genocide.
How common is complex trauma compared to single event trauma?
Complex trauma is found to be far more common than single event trauma.
What are the diagnostic challenges associated with complex trauma?
Complex trauma often leads to polydiagnosis and misdiagnosis due to the pervasive and severe nature of its impacts.
What kind of interventions are required for complex trauma?
Long-term and systemic interventions are often necessary to address complex trauma.
How did residents of Manhattan react to the 9/11 attacks?
Many experienced sleep disturbances and intrusive nightmares, whether they were directly at the sites or only watched the events on TV.
