This article explores acute trauma, chronic trauma, and the similarities and differences between the two.
The Trauma Spectrum
People’s response to trauma exists on a spectrum. Not everyone who experiences the same traumatic event will have the same response. Some people may go on to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may be affected but for shorter periods of time or at a clinically undiagnosable level.
Acute and chronic trauma are categorized according to the type of event a person experienced. For example, an isolated incident such as a car accident is considered acute trauma, but continuing events such as domestic abuse can be considered chronic trauma.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma refers to trauma brought on by a single, isolated event. There has been less research on single-incident trauma than chronic trauma, despite evidence that single-incident trauma still leads to significant, complex symptoms and even PTSD in some cases.
Studies on mass shootings, a type of acute trauma, have identified risk factors for adverse psychological effects. These risk factors include being female, having close proximity to the event, experiencing greater psychological symptoms before the incident, and lacking psychological and social support resources.
Causes
Examples of acute traumatic events include:
Physical assaultSexual assault or rapeNatural disasters (including hurricane, flood, wildfire, or earthquake)Mass shootingsTerrorist attacksCar crashesMajor injuries
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma refers to repeated, prolonged traumatic events. There is a large body of research on chronic trauma and its adverse health effects.
Studies show that children exposed to chronic trauma have a higher risk of mental health disorders, poor academic achievement, and becoming a juvenile offender. Mothers exposed to chronic war-related trauma have changes in their brain associated with showing empathy, possibly having implications for generational trauma.
Causes
Examples of chronically traumatic situations include:
Domestic abuse Witnessing abuse of a parent or household member War or combat Community violence Chronic illness, including frequent invasive medical procedures Neglect, starvation, or deprivation Homelessness
Symptoms of Trauma
Response to trauma is extremely varied among individuals. Most people exposed to trauma, acute or chronic, do not go on to be diagnosed with a mental health condition like PTSD.
However, they may have an understandable emotional or physical response to the traumatic event(s), leading to a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may be experienced immediately after the traumatic event, or the response may be delayed by a period of weeks or months.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms of acute or chronic trauma can include:
Shock Denial Sadness Anxiety and fear Depression Anger Avoidance of emotions Agitation Numbness or dissociation Difficulty concentrating Intrusive memories or flashbacks Difficulty regulating emotions Loss of hope Feeling of foreshortened future
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of acute and chronic trauma can include:
Headaches Nausea Exhaustion Jumpiness or being easily startled Sweating Difficulty sleeping, including nightmares Frequent crying Gastrointestinal issues and stomach pain Shortness of breath Racing heart rate
Trauma Symptoms in Children and Teens
It’s important to be aware that young people may respond differently to trauma than adults. Some symptoms of trauma in children and teens to be aware of include:
TantrumsClinging to parents and/or caregiversActing out parts of the traumatic event during playtimeReturn to thumb-sucking or bed-wettingNightmares and sleep issuesDeveloping unusual fearsIssues in schoolLosing interest in previously enjoyed activitiesUse of illicit drugs or alcohol
Treatment
The initial response to trauma should be finding a safe environment where the person’s essential physical and emotional needs can be met. This might include relocating to a domestic violence shelter, moving into subsidized housing, or obtaining a restraining order.
Once the person’s basic needs are met and they are safe, they might benefit from treatment with a trained mental health professional who takes a trauma-informed approach.
Methods of therapy treatment include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) Cognitive therapy Prolonged exposure
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), brief eclectic psychotherapy, and narrative therapy have less evidence to support them but are also used.
Medication may be prescribed on an individual basis, particularly if there are any co-occurring mental health conditions.
There are also some recommended lifestyle changes to help cope with trauma. Some methods to help cope in the aftermath of acute or chronic trauma include:
Avoiding alcohol or substancesMaintaining your regular routine as much as possibleKeeping a normal bedtime and sleep routineEating nutritious meals on a regular scheduleSpending time with supportive loved onesJournaling or writing
When to Talk to a Therapist
According to the American Psychological Association, if your symptoms are prolonged, interfering with your daily life, or if you are having difficulty moving on with your life, then it may be time to talk to a psychologist or mental health professional. They can help you process your trauma and learn new ways of coping and managing your emotions.
Summary
Trauma is an emotional response to a horrible event. It may lead to anger, denial, numbness, fear, and even physical symptoms. Acute trauma refers to trauma brought on by a single incident, whereas chronic trauma refers to trauma brought on by multiple or prolonged incidents. The response to these incidents is highly individual. Symptoms may occur immediately or after a delay, and treatment will differ based on a person’s individual needs and response.
A Word From Verywell
People are incredibly resilient, and the majority of people who experience acute or chronic trauma do not go on to develop PTSD. Still, even limited symptoms can be incredibly distressing and interfere with your daily life.
No matter your level of symptoms, or the type of traumatic event you endured, your experience is valid. Talk to your healthcare provider, mental health professional, or a supportive loved one about finding a safe living environment, if needed, and seek appropriate treatment through therapy or other methods.
