Traumatic disorders are mental health conditions caused by traumatic events in a person’s life. Unlike other types of mental health conditions, traumatic disorders have a clear cause.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most common trauma disorder. According to the National center for PTSD, about 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. have PTSD. The other common trauma disorders are Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).

Stressors that can cause traumatic disorders include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, natural disasters, and more. These disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those associated with other conditions, such as anxiety disorders or depression.

Studies have shown that trauma impacts the brain’s amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—which all play a part in regulating emotions. This can lead to changes in someone’s thinking, behavior, and actions.

Research shows that the hippocampus can shrink as much as eight percent after trauma, causing memory loss, forgetfulness, brain fog, flashbacks, and a disjointed perception of the past.

Trauma-informed care (TIC) recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in someone’s life, helping mental health professionals to focus on the trauma instead of the resulting behavior.