Emotional Responses during a
traumatic event may include shock, in which the individual may present
a highly anxious, active response or perhaps a seemingly stunned,
emotionally-numb response. He may describe feeling as though he is in
a fog. He may exhibit denial, in which there is an inability to
acknowledge the impact of the situation or perhaps, that the situation
has occurred. He may evidence dissociation, in which he may seem dazed
and apathetic, and he may express feelings of unreality. Other
frequently observed acute emotional responses may include panic, fear,
intense feelings of aloneness, hopelessness, helplessness, emptiness,
uncertainty, horror, terror, anger, hostility, irritability,
depression, grief and feelings of guilt.
Cognitive Responses to traumatic
exposure are often reflected in impaired concentration, confusion,
disorientation, difficulty in making a decision, a short attention
span, suggestibility, vulnerability, forgetfulness, self-blame,
blaming others, lowered self-efficacy, thoughts of losing control,
hypervigilance, and perseverative thoughts of the traumatic event. For
example, upon extrication of a survivor from an automobile accident,
he may cognitively still be in the automobile playing the tape of
the accident over and over in his mind.
Behavioral Responses in the face of
a traumatic event may include withdrawal, spacing-out,
non-communication, changes in speech patterns, regressive behaviors,
erratic movements, impulsivity, a reluctance to abandon property,
seemingly aimless walking, pacing, an inability to sit still, an
exaggerated startle response and antisocial behaviors.
Physiological Responses may include
rapid heart beat, elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing*,
shock symptoms*, chest pains*, cardiac palpitations*, muscle tension
and pains, fatigue, fainting, flushed face, pale appearance, chills,
cold clammy skin, increased sweating, thirst, dizziness, vertigo,
hyperventilation, headaches, grinding of teeth, twitches and
gastrointestinal
upset.
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