Trauma and stressor-related disorders

Abstract

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders are psychiatric conditions related to exposure to a traumatic or stressful event, resulting in significant psychological distress social, professional and other relevant areas of the individual’s life. The clinical presentation of these disorders is characterized by symptoms of anxiety and fear, anhedonia, dysphoria, externalizations of anger, aggressiveness and dissociative symptoms. According to the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the diagnostic categories included in this spectrum are Reactive Attachment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorders. The objective of this review is to introduce the debate on clinical conceptualization and therapeutic guidelines of Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders, directing professional’s choice for proper therapeutic practices related to such diagnostic categories. Also, the authors discuss the consequences of early life stress (traumatic situations that occur in childhood and adolescence) in adulthood