The main difference between PTSD and the experience of trauma is important to note. A traumatic event is time-based, while PTSD is a longer-term condition where one continues to have flashbacks and re-experiencing the traumatic event.

• Acute trauma results from a single incident.

• Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse.

• Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

 

Potentially traumatic events can include:

• Psychological, physical, or sexual abuse.

• Community or school violence.

• Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence.

• National disasters or terrorism.

• Commercial sexual exploitation.

• Sudden or violent loss of a loved one.

• Refugee or war experiences.