What is trauma?
Trauma is a biopsychological and emotional response to a disturbing event. A traumatic event can be exposure to death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence. Trauma can be experienced directly, witnessed, or learned. This may leave the individual in a state of helplessness or shock.
What are the symptoms of trauma?
Symptoms associated with trauma include:
- Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the traumatic event
- Dreams associated with the traumatic event
- Strong physical reactions (e.g., increased heart rate and trouble breathing) when one is reminded of the traumatic event
- Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world
- Blaming yourself for the traumatic event
- Strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, guilt, or shame
- Being super alert or on guard
- Feeling jumpy or easily startled
What treatments are known to decrease symptoms associated with trauma?
Contrary to popular belief, medications are not the frontline treatment for trauma disorders like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), although some medications like antidepressants have also shown benefits in the treatment of trauma disorders. Psychotherapy is the mainstay for the treatment of trauma-related symptoms. Evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of trauma symptoms.. Dr. Michael Vigil is trained in CPT and EMDR. Here are some links for more information on CPT and EMDR:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that can affect how one feels, thinks, and manages daily activities like work or eating.
What are depressive symptoms?
Symptoms associated with depression include:
- Sadness
- Reduced interest in pleasurable activities
- Decrease in energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Suicidal thoughts
What treatments are known to decrease depressive symptoms?
Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and psychotherapy are known to be effective in relieving depressive symptoms. This two-pronged approach to treatment has been associated with higher rates of improvement in depressive symptoms and a better quality of life. Dr. Vigil is trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the treatment of depression. Here are some links for more information on CBT and ACT:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression – PMC
Effect of acceptance and commitment therapy for depressive disorders: a meta-analysis – PMC
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety is the body’s response to a stressor or threat. One may feel an increased heart rate, heavier breathing, and tense muscles. However, an anxiety disorder can make this response feel overwhelming and interfere with daily life.
What are anxiety symptoms?
Anxiety symptoms can include:
- Increased heart rate, heavier breathing, shortness of breath
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Excessive worry
What treatments are known to decrease anxiety?
Medications and psychotherapy have been shown to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Other strategies like exercise, relaxation techniques like meditation, and managing caffeine intake can reduce anxiety.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive behaviors despite adverse consequences. Addiction involves changes to areas of the brain involved in anticipatory reward, stress, and self-control.
What are symptoms of addiction?
- Strong desire to engage in the behavior
- Recurrent engagement in the behavior despite negative consequences
- Unsuccessful efforts to decrease the behavior
What helps treat addiction?
For addiction to substances, various medications can help reduce cravings. Psychotherapies have also been shown to help people with addiction through modification of attitudes and behaviors related to addiction.
What is an adjustment disorder?
An adjustment disorder is the manifestation of emotional and/or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressor. The stressor could be a single event or multiple stressors. They can be recurrent or continuous.
What are the symptoms of an adjustment disorder?
- Increased distress
- Impairment in social, occupational, or personal dimensions in life
- Depressive symptoms
- Anxiety symptoms
What are the treatments for Adjustment Disorders?
Medications and psychotherapy have been shown to manage adjustment disorder symptoms effectively.
Healthier Thoughts 