Stress Disorders

Causes of stress disorders

Stress-related disorders can be caused by a single traumatic event or develop over time through ongoing exposure to stressful situations. These can include:

• Direct exposure to trauma: Experiencing a life-threatening event firsthand, such as a natural disaster, accident, violent assault or military combat
• Witnessing trauma: Seeing others threatened or harmed, such as witnessing a serious accident, attack or death
• Learning about trauma to others: Finding out about a traumatic event that happened to a loved one
• Repeated or extreme exposure to trauma: This commonly occurs among first responders and emergency personnel whose work involves regular interaction with traumatic events
• Prolonged stressful situations: Facing continuous challenges without adequate relief or support

Types of stress disorders

There are several types of stress disorders, including:

• Adjustment disorder: This disorder surfaces within three months of a stressful event, particularly when the demands of life become too much. For example, starting a new, high-pressure job might lead to sleepless nights and obsessive worrying about work performance.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD develops following a severe trauma or life-threatening event. This type of disorder is characterized by an intense psychological response that may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as intrusive thoughts related to the trauma.
• Acute stress disorder (ASD): ASD is a short-term condition that occurs within the first weeks after a traumatic event. It shares similarities to PTSD but typically resolves within a month (although it can progress to PTSD).
• Burnout: Burnout is a state of physical, mental or emotional exhaustion, often resulting from chronic workplace stress. However, it can also stem from other stressors, like relationships or parenting.
• Caregiver stress: This disorder is brought on by the ongoing stress of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, disability or age-related needs.
• Traumatic grief: Traumatic grief is a response to a sudden or violent loss. It is a complex form of grief that combines PTSD symptoms with the grieving process.

Who is at risk for stress disorders?

Anyone can develop a stress disorder. However, certain risk factors can increase your chance of doing so. These include:

• Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event can increase a person’s risk of developing a stress disorder
• History of mental health conditions: Having other existing mental health disorders can increase the likelihood of developing a stress disorder
• High-stress jobs: People who work in situations that expose them to majorly stressful situations, such as first responders and military professionals, are at a higher risk for stress-related disorders
• Ongoing stressful life situations: Experiencing prolonged stress, such as chronic illness or financial struggles, can make you more susceptible to a stress disorder

Stress disorder treatment options

At Main Line Health, our behavioral health specialists will work with you to determine the best stress disorder treatment for you. Your care may include one or more of the following treatments:

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help you process your experience
• Medication, like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, to manage your stress disorder symptoms
• Lifestyle adjustments, including stress management techniques and regular physical activity
• Support groups

Diagnosis and testing for stress disorders

In order to diagnose stress-related disorders, your behavioral health specialist will perform an evaluation through tests that may include:

• Exam: You’ll talk with your doctor about your symptoms, experiences and medical history
• Psychological assessment: Your doctor will ask questions to assess the impact of stress on your mental health