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]
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Emotional responses
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Physical responses
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Behavioural responses
- 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 tabs
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Loss of control
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Medical procedures
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Environmental changes
Dependence on others for personal care, loss of decision-making ability, and reliance on others are significant contributors to trauma activation in older people. [2]
- Dependence on others
- Personal care assistance
- Loss of decision-making ability
Medical interventions may re-trigger previous healthcare or institutional trauma. [3]
- Injections
- Wound care
- Catheterisation
- Oxygen therapy
Environmental stressors are recognised contributors to distress and behavioural escalation. [4]
- Hospital transfers
- New or unfamiliar staff
- Unfamiliar environments
- Noise and overstimulation