Trauma Responses and Triggers
How trauma may present
Trauma may present through emotional, physical and behavioural responses. These behaviours are often protective responses rather than deliberate non-compliance. [1]
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Hypervigilance
- Anger
- Withdrawal
- Increased pain
- Sleep disturbance
- Restlessness
- Breathlessness from anxiety
- Refusal of care
- Agitation
- Distress during personal care
- Resistance to treatment
Recognising potential triggers
Maybe add an introduction paragraph here before the next set of accordions?
Dependence on others for personal care, loss of decision-making ability, and reliance on others are significant contributors to trauma activation in older people (Brooker, 2004).
- Dependence on others
- Personal care assistance
- Loss of decision-making ability
Medical interventions may re-trigger previous healthcare or institutional trauma.
- Injections
- Wound care
- Catheterisation
- Oxygen therapy
Environmental stressors are recognised contributors to distress and behavioural escalation
- Hospital transfers
- New or unfamiliar staff
- Unfamiliar environments
- Noise and overstimulation