Psychological trauma

Psychological trauma may accompany physical trauma, or exist independently. Typical causes of psychological trauma are abuse, violence, the threat of either, or the witnessing of either, particularly in childhood. Natural events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can also cause psychological trauma. Man-made events such as armed conflict also inflict psychological trauma.

In times of war, psychological trauma has been known as shell shock and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a specific syndrome in which the traumatized individual experiences nightmares, avoidance of certain situations and places, depression, and other symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder emerged as the label for this condition after the Vietnam War in which many men returned to the U.S. demoralized, and sometimes, addicted to drugs.

Psychological trauma is treated with therapy and, if indicated, psychotropic medications.

See How to Heal Traumas