Trauma & Dissociation

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Clinical Definition: PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.
• Layman’s Definition: PTSD develops after very scary or dangerous events, leaving you on edge and haunted by memories.
• Common Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, emotional numbness, avoidance, sleep issues, irritability.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

• Clinical Definition: CPTSD stems from prolonged trauma and includes PTSD symptoms plus emotional and relational challenges.
• Layman’s Definition: A deeper version of PTSD caused by long-term trauma, often in childhood.
• Common Symptoms: Emotional dysregulation, low self-worth, relationship struggles, chronic shame, dissociation.

Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS)

• Clinical Definition: A trauma-related condition similar to CPTSD, often seen in individuals exposed to prolonged trauma.
• Layman’s Definition: A mix of PTSD symptoms and emotional struggles after ongoing trauma.
• Common Symptoms: Emotional numbness, low self-esteem, identity issues, mood instability. 

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) 

• Clinical Definition: Presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states.
• Layman’s Definition: Switching between identities as a way to cope with trauma.
• Common Symptoms: Memory gaps, blackouts, identity confusion.

Depersonalization Disorder 

• Clinical Definition: Persistent detachment from one's self, as if observing from outside the body.
• Layman’s Definition: Feeling like you're watching yourself from outside your body.
• Common Symptoms: Feeling unreal, dream-like sensations, emotional numbness.

Derealization Disorder 

• Clinical Definition: Persistent detachment from the world around you, which may feel foggy or dreamlike.
• Layman’s Definition: The world feels fake or distant, like a movie.
• Common Symptoms: Disconnection, visual distortions, emotional detachment.

 

Attachment Challenges

Attachment Disorder (AD) 

• Clinical Definition: Disorders where children struggle to form healthy emotional bonds due to early neglect.
• Layman’s Definition: Trouble bonding or trusting others because of early abuse or neglect.
• Common Symptoms: Avoiding closeness, mistrust, lack of affection, controlling behavior.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) 

• Clinical Definition: A severe disorder in young children resulting from extreme neglect.
• Layman’s Definition: Inability to connect or trust due to not being cared for early in life.
• Common Symptoms: Withdrawal, lack of interest in relationships, difficulty seeking comfort.

 Compromised Attachment 

• Clinical Definition: Less severe attachment disruption where individuals still function but struggle emotionally.
• Layman’s Definition: Trouble trusting others due to difficult early experiences.
• Common Symptoms: Emotional detachment, fear of abandonment, trust issues. 

 

Neurodivergence & Autism

Clinical Definition: Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that refers to variations in neurological development and functioning, often encompassing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other learning differences. Autism Spectrum Disorder specifically affects social communication and behavior, with symptoms varying widely in severity.

Layman’s Definition: Being neurodivergent means your brain works differently from what’s considered typical. Autism, ADHD, and other similar conditions are examples of neurodivergence. People on the autism spectrum may experience challenges with communication, sensory processing, and social interaction, while also having unique strengths such as deep focus, creativity, and innovative problem-solving skills.

Common Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder:

• Difficulty with social interaction (e.g., reading social cues, making eye contact)

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to sounds, textures, or lights)

• Repetitive behaviors or routines

• Intense focus on specific interests

• Challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication

• Preference for predictable environments and routines

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) 

• Clinical Definition: Inattentiveness without hyperactivity.
• Layman’s Definition: Trouble focusing, organizing, or following through.
• Common Symptoms: Forgetfulness, distraction, low attention span.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) 

• Clinical Definition: Inattentiveness plus hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Layman’s Definition: Trouble sitting still, focusing, and thinking before acting.
• Common Symptoms: Fidgeting, blurting, restlessness. 

 

Depression & Mood Disorders

Major Depression 

• Clinical Definition: Severe mood disorder with persistent sadness and lack of interest.
• Layman’s Definition: Ongoing sadness that interferes with everyday life.
• Common Symptoms: Hopelessness, fatigue, sleep/appetite changes, suicidal thoughts.

Recurring Depression 

• Clinical Definition: Repeated episodes of major depression over time.
• Layman’s Definition: Depression that comes and goes throughout life.
• Common Symptoms: Cycles of sadness, energy loss, and lack of motivation.

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) 

• Clinical Definition: Low-level depression lasting two years or more.
• Layman’s Definition: A constant low mood that doesn’t go away.
• Common Symptoms: Irritability, low energy, chronic sadness.

Bipolar Disorder 

• Clinical Definition: Mood disorder with alternating manic and depressive episodes.
• Layman’s Definition: High-energy periods followed by deep lows.
• Common Symptoms: Mood swings, impulsivity, sleep issues.

Situational Depression 

• Clinical Definition: Depression triggered by a life event, short-term.
• Layman’s Definition: Feeling down after a major change or loss.
• Common Symptoms: Sadness, worry, sleep disruption.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

• Clinical Definition: Depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically winter.
• Layman’s Definition: Feeling sad or tired during darker seasons.
• Common Symptoms: Fatigue, low mood, sleep problems.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) 

• Clinical Definition: Childhood disorder marked by severe temper outbursts.
• Layman’s Definition: Kids who regularly have extreme tantrums and irritability.
• Common Symptoms: Mood swings, aggression, constant anger. 

 

Anxiety Disorders

Panic Attacks 

• Clinical Definition: Sudden, intense fear that peaks within minutes.
• Layman’s Definition: Overwhelming anxiety that strikes out of nowhere.
• Common Symptoms: Racing heart, shaking, chest pain, dizziness.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 

• Clinical Definition: Chronic and excessive worry about daily life.
• Layman’s Definition: Worrying about everything, all the time.
• Common Symptoms: Restlessness, fatigue, insomnia.

Phobias

• Clinical Definition: Intense, irrational fear of specific things or situations.
• Layman’s Definition: Extreme fear that impacts your ability to function.
• Common Symptoms: Panic, avoidance, physical symptoms.

Social Anxiety Disorder 

• Clinical Definition: Persistent fear of social interactions due to embarrassment or judgment.
• Layman’s Definition: Extreme shyness or fear of being watched.
• Common Symptoms: Avoiding social events, sweating, nausea, fast heart rate.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

• Clinical Definition: Obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
• Layman’s Definition: Repeating actions or thoughts to feel safe or reduce fear.
• Common Symptoms: Checking, cleaning, counting, intrusive thoughts.

 

Pediatric and Adolescent Disorders

Separation Anxiety Disorder 

• Clinical Definition: Fear of being away from caregivers.
• Layman’s Definition: Intense distress when apart from loved ones.
• Common Symptoms: Clinginess, tantrums, nightmares.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) 

• Clinical Definition: Sudden aggressive outbursts disproportionate to triggers.
• Layman’s Definition: Intense anger that feels uncontrollable.
• Common Symptoms: Rage, yelling, physical aggression.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) 

• Clinical Definition: Pattern of defiant and hostile behavior toward authority.
• Layman’s Definition: Frequent arguing and refusal to follow rules.
• Common Symptoms: Temper, blaming others, spiteful behavior.

Conduct Disorder (Non-Legal Involvement) 

• Clinical Definition: Ongoing pattern of behavior violating social norms but without current legal consequences.
• Layman’s Definition: Aggressive or deceitful behavior in kids/teens without legal trouble.
• Common Symptoms: Lying, bullying, breaking rules.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) 

• Clinical Definition: Delays in socialization and communication, often on the autism spectrum.
• Layman’s Definition: Challenges with speaking, relating to others, or repetitive behaviors.
• Common Symptoms: Delayed speech, social difficulty, fixated interests.

Social Communication Disorder 

• Clinical Definition: Trouble using verbal/nonverbal language in social settings.
• Layman’s Definition: Difficulty knowing how to talk and act in social situations.
• Common Symptoms: Trouble with conversations, humor, or understanding body language.

 

Grief & Loss

• Clinical Definition: Emotional, psychological, and physical response to loss; prolonged grief may become a diagnosable condition.
• Layman’s Definition: Deep sadness and difficulty coping after losing something or someone important.
• Common Clinical Reasons:

  • Divorce or breakup

  • Death of a loved one 

  • Miscarriage or infertility

  • Job loss or financial hardship

  • Chronic illness
  • Major life transitions
  • Collective grief (e.g., pandemic, disasters)
  • Complicated grief that doesn’t resolve over time

 

Narcissism Survivor Support

Clinical Definition: Survivors of narcissistic abuse often experience a complex mix of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, depression, hyper-vigilance, and disrupted attachment patterns. These are the emotional and psychological effects of prolonged exposure to manipulation, emotional control, gaslighting, and relational trauma from individuals with narcissistic personality traits.

Layman’s Definition: Healing after narcissistic abuse can feel overwhelming. Survivors often feel confused, anxious, and unsure of who they are anymore. You may struggle with self-doubt, fear of setting boundaries, difficulty trusting others, or feeling emotionally “stuck.” Narcissistic abuse recovery counseling helps you make sense of what happened, rebuild your confidence, and create safe, healthy relationships moving forward.

Common Symptoms & Challenges:

• Persistent self-doubt or feelings of worthlessness

• Anxiety and hypervigilance, always anticipating criticism or conflict

• Depression, emotional numbness, or hopelessness

• Post-traumatic stress symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares

• Difficulty trusting people or forming safe, secure relationships

• Guilt or fear when setting personal boundaries

• Loss of identity and confusion about personal values or goals

• Social withdrawal or isolation from supportive friends and family

How C.A.R.E., Inc. Supports Survivors:
At C.A.R.E., Inc., we offer specialized narcissistic abuse recovery counseling designed to help you process trauma, rebuild self-worth, and establish healthy boundaries. Our trauma-informed, attachment-based approach focuses on:

• Releasing shame and self-blame from narcissistic abuse

• Reconnecting with your authentic self and personal values

• Learning how to create safe, supportive relationships

• Gaining tools to manage anxiety, depression, and triggers

• Regaining confidence and autonomy for a fulfilling life post-abuse