Website Trauma & Existential Depression
Published September 27, 2011 | 
Cluster A
Events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury And lead to a response of intense fear, helplessness or horror
Cluster B
Re-experience symptoms such as intrusive recollections, nightmares, flashbacks
Cluster C
Avoidance of people & Numbing of emotions
Cluster D
Arousal of feelings like anxiety; on guard for danger
When the Cluster A and B symptoms are strong enough to cause Cluster C and D symptoms it becomes more difficult to meet the basic human needs of safety, trust, control, feeling of value, and of closeness to others. The individual can become alienated from herself and others in consequence which is an important element of Existential Depression.
In this situation there is a tendency to resort to medication too soon to reduce symptoms. Also alcohol, drugs, restless activity, and mechanisms of defense may be used by the client to escape the unpleasant or painful mood. When symptom reduction methods are used prematurely there are at least four undesirable results: (1) the motivation for change is diminished; (2) hidden or unrecognized sources of distress (internal and external) remain undiscovered; (3) the necessary time is not allowed to gain the necessary insight to put together a better whole;… Continue reading
Website Co-Morbid with PTSD
Published September 27, 2011 | Disorders & Problems Co-Morbid with PTSD
Larry Beall, Ph.D.
Disorder Symptomatic, Behavioral Manifestations
A. Mood/Anxiety Disorders
Major Depression and Bipolar Mood swings, insomnia, impaired concentration, sad, withdrawn, fatigued
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Irritability, hyper-vigilance, startle response, poor concentration, insomnia, unrealistic worry
Phobias (Most common—simple phobias, social phobia,agoraphobia) avoidant behaviors triggered by environment and/or social stimuli
Panic Disorder Choking, numbness, tingling, fear of going crazy, fear of dying.
Sleep Disorder Common with unresolved trauma in connection with arousal or sympathetic nervous system. Often exacerbates other disorders.
Anger or Explosive Disorders The psychic pain of trauma can generate anger on the level of rage and the behavioral problems often associated with rage. The deeper the violation the more intense the rage.
B. Disorders of Cognitive Functioning
Attention Deficit Disorder Forgetful, confused, difficulty learning from experience, problems with concentration, easily distracted Thought Disorder/Schizophrenic-Chaotic, disorganized, loose associations, loss of like Disorders contact with reality
C . Disorders of Dissociation Rapid changes in personality, rapid age regression, amnesia, third person references, daze or trance states, time loss, vivid images
© Trauma Awareness & Treatment Center—Permission required by Larry Beall, Ph.D. to copy or reproduce.
D. Somatic Disorders
Somatization Disorders-Psychosomatic/ Rapidly changing physical complaints
Conversion/Somatoform
Migraine Headache Because of its… Continue reading
DV and DVRCA
Published September 27, 2011 | Trauma From Domestic Violence and Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse.
As has been noted, trauma comes from several sources and events. Domestic abuse and violence (DV) are unfortunate common situations that occur in many homes. Domestic violence occurs when two people who are cohabitants or have been cohabitants have one or more incidents in which abuse or violence occurs. The cohabitants must be over 18 years of age. If younger, it is considered child abuse. In a relationship where DV is present, there is an abuser and a victim. The abuser uses tactics and behaviors to control and manipulate the relationship and the victim. Some of these tactics are subtle (e.g. Controlling what the victim wears and how they talk), and some are aggressive and violent (e.g. Physical violence and coercion). The goal of the abuser is to create an environment and relationship in which he/she has control and power. The relationship does not normally start abusive. The abuser is usually kind, loving, and accommodating (honeymoon phase). As the relationship progresses, the abuser can begin to seem jealous of the victim. Some jealousy behaviors include manipulative actions such as saying, “I just couldn’t stand being alone tonight while you were… Continue reading
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