Traumatic experiences Flashcards
What are the major categories of traumatic experiences?
Impersonal trauma (diasters, accidents)
Personal trauma
What are the subcategories of personal trauma?
Attachment trauma (family or partner)
Interpersonal trauma (stranger)
Self-directed (Suicide)
Systemic (social, cultural, big stuff)
Define a traumatic experience
When one loses a safe base
Name the 10 important variables that affect the impact of traumatic experiences (yes, this is an objective).
Genetic vulnerability to being overwhelmed Development level at the time of trauma Severity of trauma Frequency/duration of trauma Strength of defenses Strength of self Extent of previous trauma Meaning of trauma Cultural implications
What are common psychological effects of trauma?
Fearfulness Distrust Hypersensitivity Poor self image Self injury SI
What are the implications for medicine when it comes to trauma?
We must:
Create a safe environment
Engage empathetically
Be concerned for their safety
Refer them if needed
What are the two types of memory?
Explicit (conscious, fact driven)
Implicit (emotional, non-verbal)
What brain centers are involved in the formation of EXPLICIT memory?
Thalamus
Hippocampus
Frontal cortex
What brain centers are involved in the formation of IMPLICIT memories?
Occipital, cerebellum, striatum
What is the core psychological bind in an attachment traumatic relationship?
How to stay in proximity while remaining safe, when my caregiver is a source of danger.
What are the effects of chronic stress on the brain and memory, in terms of the amygdala and the hippocampus?
Amygdala is always activ. = destroys hippocampus.
Thus hippocampus cannot contextualize memories (time, place, where etc) so memory always there.
What are the effects of chronic stress on the brain and memory, in terms of the right and left hemispheres?
Right is activated more, = greater emotionalality/sensitivity
Left is deactivated = lose ability to label internal stress or control emotions with logic
What are the effects of chronic stress on the brain and memory, in terms of the sensitivity of the stress response?
Lowers the threshold of stress tolerance
What are the common responses to unbearable emotional distress brought on by past traumatic events?
Withdraw from people
Move against self (self harm/substance abuse/suicide)
Move against others (lash out)
What are the three Rs in trauma informed care?
Realize the widespread impact of trauma
Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma
Respond by integrating knowledge of trauma
