Trauma- and stressor-related disorders are mental health conditions that can develop after a traumatic or highly stressful event. The main conditions in this group include PTSD, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, reactive attachment disorder, disinhibited social engagement disorder, and prolonged grief disorder.

Common symptoms

These disorders can cause distressing memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, irritability, sleep problems, feeling “on edge,” emotional numbness, or trouble functioning in daily life. Some people also experience dissociation, sadness, anger, or substance use as part of the response.

Main types

PTSD usually lasts longer than one month and can follow exposure to a terrifying or traumatic event. Acute stress disorder looks similar but starts right after the trauma and lasts from 3 days to 1 month, while adjustment disorders are stress reactions that are out of proportion to the event and interfere with functioning.

Treatment options

Treatment often includes psychotherapy, especially trauma-focused therapies such as CBT, cognitive processing therapy, or prolonged exposure therapy. Some people also benefit from medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep symptoms, along with support from family, school, or work.

When to seek help

A person should seek help if symptoms last, worsen, or interfere with school, work, relationships, sleep, or safety. It is especially important to get evaluation after trauma if there are flashbacks, avoidance, severe anxiety, or ongoing distress that does not improve over time.

Children and teens

In children, trauma-related disorders may show up as clinginess, behavior changes, school problems, nightmares, headaches, stomach aches, or trouble separating from caregivers. Early support can reduce the risk of symptoms becoming long-term