Trauma

Trauma is an umbrella term used in medicine and psychology to describe injuries or emotional responses caused by an adverse event. In the medical sense, trauma refers to physical injury resulting from external force, such as blunt impact, penetrating trauma, burns, or blast injuries. In psychology, trauma refers to the emotional and cognitive impact of sudden, threatening, or overwhelming experiences, including violence, abuse, disasters, or medical procedures.

Physical trauma may range from minor contusions to life-threatening injuries. Initial management follows resuscitation principles, including airway, breathing, and circulation assessment; control of bleeding; stabilization; and rapid transport. Diagnostic imaging, wound care, fracture management, and surgical interventions may be required. Rehabilitation and secondary complications such as infection, organ dysfunction, and chronic pain influence long-term outcomes.

Psychological trauma arises when individuals are overwhelmed by events perceived as threatening or uncontrollable. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal, lasting for weeks or longer. Trauma can contribute to disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, and depression. Risk factors include prior trauma, lack of social support, and the event's severity or duration.

Treatment depends on the domain. Physical trauma requires prompt medical care, stabilization, and rehabilitation to minimize mortality and disability. Psychological trauma is treated with evidence-based therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and graded exposure. Pharmacotherapy may help with comorbid symptoms. A trauma-informed approach in care settings emphasizes safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Prevention focuses on safety measures, injury prevention, and access to mental health services. Ongoing research examines biological and psychosocial mechanisms of trauma and seeks to improve interventions and outcomes through integrated care and policy initiatives.