What is unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder?

Trauma disorders are diagnosed when you experience significant mental health symptoms in response to a traumatic event, such as an assault, natural disaster, or witnessing violence. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) — the text mental health professionals use to make diagnoses and treatment decisions — includes seven trauma-related disorders, including well-known ones like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One lesser-known trauma disorder is unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder. People diagnosed with this condition may feel frustrated because there’s little information available about what this diagnosis means. But this mental health condition is just as valid as any other trauma disorder and requires appropriate treatment.

Unspecified vs. specific in trauma disorder diagnosis

Unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder is diagnosed when you present with trauma-related symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria of any specific trauma disorder — and your diagnosing provider doesn’t specify why your symptoms don’t meet these criteria.

Another diagnosis, “other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder,” is given when you don’t meet the full criteria of a specific trauma disorder but the health provider does specify the reason. For example, they might specify that you meet the symptom criteria for acute stress disorder, but your symptoms have lasted longer than expected.

Unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder is diagnosed in situations where the clinician doesn’t have enough information to make a more specific diagnosis, like in emergency room settings. This diagnosis could also apply if you’re showing all the symptoms of a trauma disorder like PTSD but your provider isn’t yet aware of the traumatic event causing these symptoms.

It’s understandable to feel like this diagnosis lacks validation for your suffering. But keep in mind: Being diagnosed with unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder doesn’t mean you haven’t experienced significant trauma. On the contrary, health providers can’t make this diagnosis unless you’ve experienced trauma that’s contributed to significant emotional distress and impairment in your daily functioning.

Your experience is valid, regardless of your diagnosis.

Recognizing the symptoms

Any symptom of any trauma disorder could fall under the diagnosis of unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder. The key is that you don’t meet the full criteria for a specific disorder, but you may still experience several.

Examples of trauma-related symptoms include:

• Intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, like flashbacks or repetitive memories
• Nightmares related to the trauma
• Avoidance behaviors, like steering clear of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
• Problems with attachment and relationships
• Hypervigilance or always feeling on edge, as if danger is constantly lurking
• Emotional numbness or difficulty feeling connected to others
• Difficulty concentrating or frequent forgetfulness
• Irritability or anger outbursts that feel hard to control
• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or a racing heart — especially when reminded of the trauma

Understanding risk factors and causes

Researchers are still exploring why some people develop symptoms after a traumatic event while others recover without treatment. Factors that may increase the risk of developing trauma disorders include:

• Severity: More intense or life-threatening events are more likely to lead to trauma symptoms.
• Chronic exposure: Experiencing ongoing trauma, such as domestic violence, increases risk.
• Lack of social support: Having no one to turn to during or after the trauma can make symptoms worse.
• Pre-existing mental health conditions: Conditions like depression or anxiety may increase vulnerability to trauma disorders.
• Childhood adversity: Experiencing trauma or neglect as a child can make it harder to cope with traumatic events later in life.
• Genetic predisposition: Research shows that some people may be more genetically prone to developing PTSD or similar conditions.

Treating unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder

Unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder can be treated on its own. You don’t need a more specific diagnosis to start receiving help. However, if you feel your symptoms align more closely with a specific diagnosis like PTSD, it may be worth discussing this with your provider. Having a more specific diagnosis could open the door to evidence-based treatments tailored to that condition or even improve your insurance coverage.

Remember, having this unspecified diagnosis doesn’t mean your symptoms are less severe than those of a more specific trauma disorder. You can’t receive this diagnosis unless your symptoms cause significant distress and impairment.

Some of the most effective types of trauma therapy for unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder include:

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): This structured therapy approach helps you process traumatic memories and reframe negative thought patterns. It can also be used with children and teens.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess traumatic events.
• Somatic experiencing: This is a body-centered therapy that focuses on releasing stored trauma through physical sensations.
• Expressive arts therapy: Creative methods like drawing, painting, or writing can help express emotions that can otherwise feel too overwhelming.
• Group therapy: Sharing experiences in a group setting can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation.

Find care with Rula

Trauma can be a heavy burden — especially when you haven’t received the validation of a PTSD diagnosis. But your suffering is valid, and help is available. Seeking professional treatment can make a significant difference in your life. With the right care, you can work through the symptoms of unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Rula has connected patients, including those with trauma disorders, and therapists for millions of successful therapy sessions. You can meet with a provider over live video as soon as tomorrow.

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