What is the Difference Between Acute, Chronic, and Complex Trauma?

This video describes the difference between acute, chronic, and complex trauma. When I use the word trauma, I'm referring to trauma as it's looked at in the definition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder that requires a qualifying traumatic event. These different types of trauma are sometimes used in determining what kind of care would be appropriate or necessary. Acute trauma is also referred to as simple trauma, and this usually means when there's one traumatic event in someone's history. It would be potentially the focus of treatment or may have led to posttraumatic stress disorder. whether there was a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder or not, this would just involve one event. This could be a motor vehicle accident, a natural disaster, a workplace injury or some event that just occurs one time. Chronic trauma has multiple events. Complex trauma is often thought of as being the same thing as chronic trauma, however, with complex trauma sometimes there's an added set of criteria and that would include that the traumatic events were perpetrated by a caregiver or another trusted individual, there was a sense of betrayal, and the traumatic events happened during childhood. Regardless of the exact definition of complex trauma. the reason that this classification exists is because we believe that there is a likelihood of seeing particular symptoms or seeing more severe symptoms with complex trauma than with simple trauma. With complex trauma, it wouldn't be unusual to see relational difficulties, a sense of guilt and/or shame, low self-esteem, a distorted self-image, dissociation, difficulties regulating emotions, and a sense of hopelessness or a loss of meaning now.

[johnharrisjr]

This video gave a good description of acute, chronic, and complex trauma.

[janicedixon]

I’ve always known the differences between acute, chronic and complex but to hear it explained in regards to trauma gave me a different view as it relates to mental health.

[katya]

Honestly, this was the best thing I’ve heard all day. The more I’m learning about complex trauma. The less crazy I feel. I have every single symptom you mentioned for it. So glad to be going on this journey or learning more about it.

[virginiamurrey]

There was great information given within this video on the different types of trauma, and the correct amount of care or treatment given. Before learning about trauma, I thought it had to come from a very extreme event, I had not thought of simple trauma or events that may occur one time that could affect a person in a particular way. I now have a better understanding of the levels associated with trauma, and this video is a great tool.

[jackiesorrells]

Very informative explaining the differences between each acute, chronic, and complex trauma.

[camilafebres]

Your videos help me so much! I am in a social work Masters program and they really help me understand all the concepts and theories. Thank you for making them!

[adambrowne]

Understanding the differences in these trauma types will be greatly helpful to us as counselors because we can have a better understanding of how to treat our clients based on the type they have and the symptoms that they have. Very informative!

[rhondabaileyyy]

I like how this video breaks down and explains the different kinds of trauma.

[andreanichols]

When I think of complex trauma I think of those who have been sexually and/or physically abused. Great examples

[kelly]

I can see where chronic and complex can be thought to be the same. I would like to think of complex as trauma having more depth to it and chronic is happening over and over.

[IceColdSnow]

I'm a psychology student and I'm writing my thesis about trauma, thanks for making it simple!

[veronicabetz]

Great video! I have always wanted to know detailed definitions of these three terms. I imagine that many mistakes are made when using these terms for diagnosis, and that a full knowledge primarily comes with experience.

[nickapazz]

I needed this thank you ... I needed to find your channel .. Severe Chronic Complex PTSD I am in the process of 3 court cases and being declared disabled mentally & physically ... its' left me on the street in animal shelters and in my car ... I have no treatment in my country I need to get to understand me via the web .. thank you for your insightful channel ..

[angelinastanton]

This was very helpful to understand the differences between acute, chronic, and complex trauma. However, how would you actually know one hundred percent that a client's trauma was caused by acute or chronic trauma? For example, how would a client and therapist know if the PTSD was caused by one trauma out of a series of traumas, or all of the traumas combined?

[debbiemilam]

I knew I had PTSD but was unaware it was complex. Thanks Dr. Grande

[suzgen]

This video was helpful to understand the different levels of trauma. The video provided symptom examples for complex trauma compared to acute trauma. I think that the symptoms are prevalent in all three but the severity may help determine what level.

[thebusinesswoman]

Damn ok, this makes sense. My diagnosis list says chronic PTSD- severe, but my therapist has been talking to me about complex trauma . My traumas effect every part of my life at the moment. The events have been snowballing together and causing me insomnia and manic-type episodes but I do not have bipolar .

[kikixiong]

The concepts can easily be confusing. However it is important to distinguish them as of the presents of different symptoms and the types of treatments that could be effective.

[m.f.richardson]

Always interesting
Your videos give good information.
Thank you
Peace 💕🇺🇲

[nightsky]

I think the distinction between chronic & complex trauma makes sense... I have 2 traumas in childhood (stutter & being gay, it's just personal issues, it doesn't involve the mistreat action of a caretaker). I have had suicide thoughts 3 times up until now... Now I'm 24, I have difficulty getting a job (due to stutter), and fear discrimination daily (due to my gay gender).