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What Are Traumatic Disorders?

Traumatic disorders (also known as Trauma-and Stressor-Related Disorders) are mental health conditions caused by traumatic events in a person’s life. Stressors that can cause traumatic disorders include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, natural disasters, and more.

Unlike other types of mental health conditions, traumatic disorders have a clear cause. These disorders can cause symptoms that are like those associated with other conditions, such as anxiety disorders or depression. A mental health care provider can help you get an accurate diagnosis, so you can get the appropriate treatment.

People respond to trauma in a variety of ways. Because of this, there are many types of traumatic disorders that can arise from trauma, depending on the type of stressors, symptoms, and more.

We treat traumatic disorders, including:

  • Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
  • Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Disorder Resulting from Childhood Trauma

Lifestance Health specializes in Traumatic Disorders treatment with multiple locations in 33 states. Services and available treatments vary by location.

Find a provider near you:

Citations:

Alexandra Kredlow, M., Fenster, R.J., Laurent, E.S. et al. Prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and threat processing: implications for PTSD. Neuropsychopharmacol. 47, 247–259 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-021-01155-7

PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (2023). How Common Is PTSD in Adults? How Common is PTSD in Adults? – PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)

VAN DER KOLK, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

VAN DER KOLK, B.A. (2006), Clinical Implications of Neuroscience Research in PTSD. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1071: 277-293. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1364.022

photo of LifeStance provider Joanne Featherston

Clinically Reviewed By:

Joanne Featherston, MSW, LICSW
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Joanne provides individual outpatient psychotherapy to adults through the life span, utilizing an integrated approach with a focus on trauma informed interventions. Joanne is an EMDR trained psychotherapist with an advance certification and training in treating PTSD, Complex PTSD and addictions. Her approach is client centered using Poly-vagal and Somatic therapies, EMDR, IFS parts work, Cognitive behavioral interventions, Mindfulness-based and Meditation strategies, DBT strategies, Narrative therapy, Motivational interviewing, and expressive arts. In addition to being a trauma specialist she has expertise in treating anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, and chronic health conditions. Joanne believes in the concept of post-traumatic growth and finding the strength within oneself to heal. She has an openness and an ability to walk the path of healing with others, helping them find their footing as they balance life’s challenges. Joanne received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Rhode Island College. Her work and training experiences have included community outreach and prevention programming, child and family mental health services, cognitive counseling for traumatic brain injured patients, adult mental health services, substance/alcohol use disorders and addiction treatment. In addition to her clinical practice, Joanne is a member of the Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School teaching community where she instructs medical students in areas of professionalism, empathetic patient-centered care, and screenings for mental health concerns. Joanne is a recipient of the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award for her years as a teaching associate for the medical school’s Doctoring program. This teaching experience has added to the holistic approach of her clinical practice; assisting people in bridging the gap between physical and psychological concerns in order to promote overall wellness and healing.