Trauma can be acute or chronic, depending on the traumatic experience.
A single, isolated event can lead to acute trauma, which may have both short-term and long-term consequences.
Chronic trauma develops from repeated, prolonged traumatic events.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
This article explores acute trauma and chronic trauma, including in children and teens.
After discussing the symptoms of trauma, it outlines treatment options.
Not everyone who experiences the same traumatic event will have the same response.
Acute and chronic trauma are categorized according to the bang out of event a person has experienced.
Trauma’s effects on the brain are complex and not fully understood.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma refers to trauma brought on by a single, isolated event.
Single-incident trauma can lead to significant, complex symptoms and even PTSD in some cases.
There is a large body of research on chronic trauma and its adverse health effects.
Examples of chronically traumatic situations include:
What Is Complex Trauma?
This trauma can lead to wide-ranging and long-term effects.
Symptoms of Trauma
Response to trauma is extremely varied among individuals.
The number of repeated traumatic events a person experiences contributes to PTSD.
Methods of therapy treatment include:
Brief eclectic psychotherapy and narrative therapy also are 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.
Summary
Trauma is an emotional response to a horrible event.
It may lead to anger, denial, numbness, fear, and even physical symptoms.
The response to these incidents is highly individual.
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