Download Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders Tip Sheet

People & Culture – Organisational Wellbeing
Trauma & Stressor-related Disorders
Mental Health Tip Sheet
People who experience trauma- and stressor-related disorders have been exposed to a potentially traumatic or
stressful event. Most people have some emotional reactions to trauma and will recover over time. However, a small
number may experience serious problems, which affect their ability to function in social situations, at work or in other
important roles.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Posttraumatic stress disorder is a psychological response that may develop in
some people after experiencing a potentially traumatic event such as combat, assault, sexual assault, natural
disaster or an accident. It is a complex disorder that people can experience differently. Note that Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder is diagnosed if symptoms last for more than one month.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) When people experience a potentially traumatic or stressful event, and present with a
high number of symptoms of PTSD between two days and one month after the event, they may be diagnosed with
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). Therefore, the main distinction between PTSD and ASD is the timing and duration of
the symptoms. In addition, people with ASD may experience an altered sense of reality or feel they are ‘in a daze’.
Adjustment Disorder Adjustment disorder is a short-term condition that occurs when a person is unable to cope with,
or adjust to, a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss, or event. It is often triggered by an
outside stress and generally subsides once the person has adapted to the situation. For example, when a person
has experienced a natural disaster and intense or persistent distress, this may indicate an adjustment disorder.
People with adjustment disorders tend to be at a higher risk of suicide.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
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Intrusive symptoms, e.g. distressing memories or dreams related to the trauma; flashbacks, distress or
physiological reactions to reminders of the event
Persistent avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event - either internal reminders such as thoughts;
or external reminders such as people, places and activities
Negative thinking and mood, e.g. negative beliefs about oneself and others, reduced interest in
activities and inability to experience positive emotions
Altered reactivity or ‘hyperarousal’, e.g. irritable behaviour or angry outbursts, exaggerated startle
response or problems with concentration or sleep.
Heightened emotional or distressed behaviour within 3 months of the stressful event
Marked distress that appears out of proportion with the event
Increased difficulty in functioning in social settings and at work
How can I recognise a member who may be experiencing trauma- or stressor- related disorders?
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Excessive worry about completing tasks or workload
Being unusually restless, irritable or uneasy
Having panic attacks
Frequent late arrivals
Excess use of sick or personal time
Patterns in the days of absence or ineffectual job performance, e .g. on Mondays or Fridays
Decreased productivity and difficulty concentrating on work tasks
Disorganisation, untidy workspace or spasmodic work patterns
Increased accidents, injuries or safety problems
Problems in work relationships
Increased use of supports – Member Assistance Program (MAP), Peer or Chaplaincy services
Decreased interest or involvement in work
Decline in dependability
When you recognise changes in your fellow members’ behaviours, you can consider whether they might be
experiencing a mental health issue and how you could support them.
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth
Trauma & Stressor-related Disorders – Mental Health Tip Sheet
Printed: 5/05/2017 - 17:34
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