Honest Desire Drug Addiction Rehab Centers South Florida

 

 

 

Psychological, stress-related traumas cause a variety of conditions that result from experiencing an event that is disturbing, terrifying, or perceived as life-threatening. There are a number of reasons Stress Related Disorders develop. The stressor might be a single moment, such as a rape, or one in a series of repeated events, such as cycles of abuse or repeated molestations. In other scenarios the disorder’s origins might go back to infancy, where attachment issues are the cause. In the aftermath of the occurrence, the sufferer is left overwhelmed and without the means of integrating the event(s) into their life. In later-life Stress Disorders, the onset of symptoms and the sense of being out of control or over-

whelmed can be delayed for weeks, days, or, in some cases, years. This is especially true where the event in question has lain buried, such as when an adult recalls being molested as a child.

 

It should be noted that in general, stress is a normal response to certain stressors and is not necessarily destructive. The process of trying to normalize stressful events is basic to our make-ups; and is not only natural but necessary to our survival. The fight or flight response developed as a survival instinct to situations in which the life of the individual is put in jeopardy. Typically, the causes of this form of psychological trauma are reserved for specific varieties of violence: sexual abuse, physical abuse, or severe and prolonged emotional abuse (additionally, exposure to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or fires, or surviving catastrophic events such as genocide, will also play a part in generating stress-related disorders). However, exposure to certain stressors, whether prolonged or for a short duration, have the potential to develop into debilitating conditions that in time can adversely affect virtually all aspects of an individual’s life.

 

Types and Variations

Trauma and Stress-related Disorders include PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome), Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, various learning disabilities and often manifest as chronic physical health problems. The list of specifically Stress-related Disorders includes:

 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

• Major Depressive Disorder

• Adjustment Disorder

• Dissociative Disorder

• Acute Stress Disorder

• Dissociative Amnesia

 

The question researchers are now focusing on is the ways in which experience shapes the brain and its different functions. It is surmised that experientially, the brain of a new-born is fairly elastic, which in turn encourages the forging of neural circuitry that will shape future personality traits. There is data to support the idea that this permeability and elasticity continues throughout life, and that early developmental traumas show the same impact on development as later life trauma.

 

Additionally, research indicates that children’s brains are highly attuned to non-verbal communication, e.g. facial expressions, tone of voice, eye-contact, etc., in addition to verbal communication, and the quality of this communication has a significant impact on personality development. One possible explanation for identifying future disorders is the proposition that traumatic events that occur in early developmental stages actually shape the brain in such a way as it forms templates – schemas, as it were – which set the stage for various Stress-related Disorders later in life. Likewise, because of the flexibility of brain functioning, the same types of non-verbal communication, verbal communication, and social-queuing that give rise to disorders, with the correct attention, can also assist to alleviate them.

 

Treatment

Treatment of Stress-related disorders requires the use of several therapeutic modalities, in addition to employing certain medications designed to alleviate physiological symptoms. The alleviation of the physiological symptoms is sometimes necessary in order to give the therapy the best chances of being effective. The therapeutic styles utilized differ from one another with regards to style and the fundamental assumptions they make about the individual and their condition. Psychotherapy might take the form of Psycho-education, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Group Therapy, or Supportive Therapy.

 

Like other mental health disorders, no known cure exists for Stress-related Disorders. However, with vigilance and maintenance, it is possible to manage the conditions and allow for considerably better quality of life. The goal of any Stress-related Disorder treatment is improved management of symptoms in tandem with a reduction in the severity of the condition itself. Improvement of in function-ality is key, with marked demonstrations manifesting at home or work or in social situations. Ultimately, freedom from the disorder is the intention of any intervention.

 

If you or someone you love is struggling with a Stress Related Disorder, contact Honest Desire today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs. Our experienced team understands the complex causes of trauma and stress, and can help patients find the path to long-term recovery.