Trauma
This content is for informative purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose a disorder. If you think you may have PTSD, please call or text Aaron Grusonik at 408-482-0323, or contact your team physician or MSU Counseling and Psychological Services at (406) 994-4531.
Overview
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur among individuals who have experienced a dangerous, scary, or alarming event.2 During these traumatic experiences, it is expected to feel scared during and after the event. The "fight/flight/freeze" response is a natural, self-protecting response to fear. Most people will experience a variety of these reactions during and after the traumatic experience, however; many people recover from these symptoms naturally. PTSD may be diagnosed when the person continues to have "fight/flight/freeze," and other, trauma-related symptoms. A person with PTSD may feel stressed or scared even when they are not in danger.2 These symptoms interfere with overall well-being and athletic and academic performance.
Athlete Experiences with Trauma
- Terry Brazier: 'It's the injury no one can see'
- Anonymous U.S. Cycler: 'I Was Sexually Assaulted by My Coach'
- Childhood Trauma: '15 Athletes Who Tragically Suffered Bullying/Abuse As Children'
Athletes and PTSD
Athletes may demonstrate greater rates of PTSD (up to 13%–25% in some athlete populations) and other trauma-related disorders compared to the general population (8.7%).1 Among athletes, traumatic experiences may occur during childhood prior to sports, in sports participation, or outside of sport during the athletic career. The ensuing trauma-related disorders such as Acute Stress Disorder (symptoms similar to PTSD occurring 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event), PTSD, and adjustment disorder, are characterized by decreased function in daily tasks and negatively impacted athletic performance or injury recovery.1Athletic injuries during participation in sports are common and can qualify as a traumatic event that provokes PTSD symptoms. Among athletes, symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder have been reported as soon as the second day after a traumatic physical injury and occur in 23%–45% of patients following injury. Of these athletes, up to 50% later meet the criteria for PTSD.1 Sports-related concussion, in particular, can be a PTSD trigger.3 A recent study found that post-concussion athletes reported a greater incidence of PTSD symptoms compared to healthy athletes and PTSD symptoms were more severe post-concussion compared to pre-concussion.3 Research has also shown that after witnessing a serious athletic injury, trauma-related symptoms can occur among teammates and coaches.1
Athletes may have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) prior to college sports participation. These include exposure to domestic violence, parental substance abuse or incarceration, and a history of child abuse and neglect (Take the ACEs quiz HERE to get your ACE score). Such exposures may trigger PTSD and continue to adversely impact athlete mental health during college.1 It is also important to note that athletes have a life outside of athletics. They are not immune to traumatic events occurring during the athletic experience but outside of sport participation. Domestic/dating violence, witnessing adverse events, sexual assault, and other traumatic experiences can trigger PTSD and, without treatment, negatively influence athlete wellness and performance. Early detection and treatment of trauma-related disorders is essential and can reduce the risk of progression to chronic conditions.1
Signs & Symptoms2
It is normal to have some of these symptoms for a few weeks after a traumatic event.2 However, when the symptoms last more than a month, seriously affect your ability to function, and are not a result of substance use, medical illness, or anything other than the event itself, they may be PTSD. The person may also have no symptoms immediately following the traumatic event, only to have symptoms surface weeks or months later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult will have all of the following for at least 1 month:- At least one re-experiencing symptom
- At least one avoidance symptom
- At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two cognition and mood symptoms
- Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
- Bad dreams
- Frightening thoughts
- Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
- Being easily startled
- Feeling tense or "on edge"
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Having angry outbursts
- Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities2
Do I have PTSD?
- PTSD Online Screeing
- Take the ACEs quiz
Resources
References
1. Aron, C. M., Harvey, S., Hainline, B., Hitchcock, M. E., & Reardon, C. L. (2019). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related mental disorders in elite athletes: A narrative review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(12), 779-784. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-1006952. National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
3. Brassil, H. E., & Salvatore, A. P. (2018). The frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in athletes with and without sports related concussion. Clinical and Translational Medicine, 7(1), 1-9. doi:10.1186/s40169-018-0200-y
Developed 2021 by Quinn DeStefano, OTD Student
Reviewed 2021 by Aaron Grusonik, MA, Psy.D
