Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

• Trauma and stressor-related disorders are a group of mental disorders that develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Trauma and stressor-related disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), adjustment disorder (AD), reactive attachment disorder (RAD), disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), and other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder (OSTSD).

• A traumatic event is an event that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence to oneself or others. Examples of traumatic events are natural disasters, war, terrorism, violence, abuse, rape, accidents, illnesses, injuries, and losses.

• A stressful event is an event that involves a significant change or disruption in one’s life that causes distress or difficulty in coping. Examples of stressful events are divorce, separation, marriage, birth, death, moving, school, work, retirement, financial problems, and legal problems. Trauma and stressor-related disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, culture, or background. Trauma and stressor-related disorders can have serious and long-lasting consequences for the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals, families, communities, and societies.