PTSD always implies having trauma experiences but trauma does not always mean you may have PTSD. But both are the result of shocking, scary, or dangerous events. While they are similar, it’s helpful to understand the differences between these two terms, which can be confusing. Read on to learn more.

The Basics of Trauma and PTSD

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as follows: “Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being [1].

Trauma is explained as having three “Es” as follows:

• Events and Circumstances: This may include the actual or extreme threat of physical or psychological harm (e.g. natural disasters, violence, etc.) or severe, life-threatening neglect of a child. This may be a single occurrence or repeatedly over time). This maps to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the reference used by mental health professionals.

• Experience: The person’s experience of these events or circumstances helps determine whether it is a traumatic event. One person may experience an event as traumatic while another does not. 

• Effects: The long-lasting adverse effects of the event are a critical component of trauma. They may occur immediately or be delayed until a later time. Side effects may last a short time or a long time. The person may not see the connection between the traumatic events and the effects. Traumatic events are also thought, in many cases,  to have a neurobiological impact on the brain and nervous system.

PTSD is a clinical disorder defined in the DSM-5, summarized as follows [2]:

• Onset: Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event. Sometimes they only emerge later. 
• Duration: The person must have symptoms for longer than 1 month. 
• Severity:  Symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life such as relationships or work. They must be unrelated to medication, substance use, or other illness.
• Criteria: To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:
  • At least one re-experiencing symptom (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares)
  • At least one avoidance symptom (e.g. staying away from places that remind you of the trauma or avoiding related thoughts or feelings))
  • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms (e.g. being easily startled or having angry outbursts)
  • At least two cognition and mood symptoms (e.g. Having trouble remembering key features of the event or having ongoing negative emotions such as guilt or shame)

Where to Draw the Line Between Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma can vary in severity and impact. In fact, one in three people who experience severe trauma also experience PTSD, a much more severe condition. Symptoms of trauma are both initial and delayed. 

Initial Trauma Symptoms

Delayed Trauma Symptoms

PTSD affects 10% of women and 4% of men at some point in their lives.: The symptoms are those mentioned above from the DSM-5. They are notably more severe, pervasive, and last longer than for trauma.

What Factors Affect the Development of PTSD?

Currently, there is no definitive answer to why some people who experience trauma develop PTSD and others do not. Typically there are a variety of factors that may make some people more likely to have PTSD:

• Exposure to trauma and then the number of events and their severity
• Family history of anxiety and depression
• Temperament (your emotional responses)
• The way your brain regulates hormones such as Cortisol, and chemicals your body releases in response to traumatic events and stress
• Occupations such as military, nurses, doctors, EMTs, law enforcement, and firefighters expose some people to more trauma than in other jobs

The Difference Between Trauma Therapy and PTSD Therapy

These are both on a continuum of what is known as “trauma-informed care” which, according to SAMHSA, has six key principles in support of recovery and resilience, rather than a prescribed set of practices and procedures:

1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
3. Peer Support
4. Collaboration and Mutuality
5. Empowerment, voice, and choice
6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender issues.

A variety of therapy approaches may be used by a trauma-informed therapist working either with people with trauma or PTSD. These include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Cognitive Therapy
• Prolonged Exposure
• Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
• Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
• Medications

When to Get Professional Help

If you experience any of the above symptoms for more than a month, it is advisable to see a therapist,

PTSD Treatment in Utah

Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from trauma or PTSD, other mental health issues, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.

Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.