Trauma of all kinds can have a profound effect on someone’s life. Everything from physical health to mental health can be impacted when a person has gone through a traumatizing event or prolonged periods of abuse. Among the various impacts is memory loss, which can range from temporary “brain fog” to more serious concerns like dissociative amnesia. This connection between trauma and memory loss is complex and warrants a thorough understanding.
If you or a loved one is seeking support and PTSD treatment services, contact Columbia Associates by calling 703.682.8208. We offer a variety of treatment options to help meet your mental healthcare needs.
The Connection Between Trauma and Memory Loss
Trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing event. They can come in the form of little “t” traumas such as relational conflicts, financial or job-related stress, minor accidents, or relocating to a new city or state, or they can come in the form of more severe big “T” traumas. Big “T” traumas typically fall into these categories:
- Natural disasters – Experiencing earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods
- Serious accidents – Car crashes or industrial accidents causing severe injury
- Violence or assault – Being a victim of physical or sexual assault
- War or combat – Exposure to combat situations or living in a war zone
- Sudden loss – Unexpected death of a loved one
- Life-threatening illness – Being diagnosed with a severe illness
The psychological effects of trauma are varied, but they commonly include disruptions in cognitive functions, such as memory. One specific condition related to trauma is dissociative amnesia, where an individual may experience gaps in memory tied to the event they experienced. This memory loss serves as a protection, shielding the person from emotions that are too overwhelming; however, that same protection can hinder their day-to-day ability to function.
Dissociative Amnesia
People experiencing trauma-induced memory loss may display several symptoms, including confusion, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of detachment from reality. Recognizing these signs early can allow people to get professional treatment. Dissociative amnesia is a specific diagnosis within this spectrum of memory loss and is characterized by the inability to recall important information, usually related to traumatic or stressful events. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by mental health professionals, who consider the person’s psychological history, conduct clinical interviews, as well as neuropsychological testing to confirm the condition.
Dissociative amnesia can vary in duration and from person to person. It can be very temporary, lasting only a few hours to years in some cases. Long-term memory loss is typically associated with more severe or ongoing trauma.
Call Columbia Associates Today for Treatment Options
The return of someone’s memories can happen all at once and all of a sudden or gradually over time. Sometimes, memories come back to someone when triggered by a reminder of the event or experience. Other times, through the support offered by therapeutic efforts.
At Columbia Associates, addressing trauma and memory loss involves a comprehensive treatment approach. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatric professionals offers a range of therapies, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and other evidence-based practices. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of trauma-related memory loss, we’re here to help. Call 703.682.8208 today to discover more.
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