How Can A Trauma Profile Test Or Quiz Promote Mental Health?
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of trauma profile tests online. This trend may be related to the relatively high prevalence of trauma in the overall population and increased awareness of its potential effects on mental and physical health. Trauma profile tests are a type of tool that can help individuals identify possible symptoms of trauma so that they can seek treatment from a mental health care provider. Here, we’ll define trauma and then explore trauma profile tests, their role in mental health care, and ways to get professional help for traumatic memories.
What is trauma?
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more.” Traumatic events can significantly affect both the physical and mental health of the person who witnessed or experienced them, though the effects can be widely different in different people.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental health conditions a person could develop after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD is an official diagnosis per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). While it is often associated with people who have been involved in combat, PTSD can be caused by many different types of trauma. For example, trauma can result from a serious accident or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as being the target of or witnessing emotional or physical abuse. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 6% of the US population will experience post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in life.
Only a licensed mental health care professional can diagnose an illness like PTSD. Some common symptoms include:
- Recurrent intrusive memories about the event
- Changes in mood and thinking
- Avoiding places, people, or things associated with the event
- Hypervigilance
- Irritability
Other potential effects of adulthood or childhood trauma
PTSD is not the only potential effect of witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. In addition to or instead of PTSD, trauma could contribute to the development of a number of other mental health conditions, from substance use disorder (formerly “substance abuse”) to depression.
Even if a person does not develop a clinical mental illness, trauma could still affect the way they think, the way they see themselves and the world, and their ability to form close relationships with others. Trauma may even contribute to certain physical health conditions, such as fibromyalgia and immune system problems.
What is a trauma profile test or quiz, and where can I find one?
A trauma profile test is a questionnaire designed to identify past traumatic experiences and/or symptoms of trauma. While they’re not considered an official type of diagnostic tool, an individual may use one to help them recognize what they’re experiencing and then seek support if needed.
One free childhood trauma test that can be found online is provided by IDRlabs.com, though keep in mind that this test may not be approved by any mental health professional or governing body and is intended only as an informational tool. Designed as a self-paced childhood trauma questionnaire, this instrument consists of 40 questions and provides scores in the following nine areas related to unresolved childhood trauma and how it can affect an adult’s mental health:
- Childhood abandonment
- Childhood rejection
- Adult frustration
- Adult anxiety
- Adult stress
- Adult inattention
- Adult shame
- Childhood betrayal
- Childhood injustice
You can also find more specific online quizzes related to trauma from reputable organizations such as Mental Health America, like this PTSD test. Again, remember that no online test is considered an appropriate substitute for a professional diagnosis and care.
What do clinicians use as a trauma assessment tool?
When a person seeks care from a licensed mental health professional, the provider might use any number of diagnostic tools to evaluate the person’s situation. One example is the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), which is often considered the gold standard for assessing trauma in adults. Based on the results and their observations, the clinician can then provide a diagnosis if necessary and suggest appropriate treatment.
Speaking with a mental health professional about trauma
Individuals who are concerned that they may be experiencing the effects of past trauma can often benefit from speaking with a mental health professional. A licensed therapist might review a person’s trauma profile test results and conduct their own trauma assessment. They may then use evidence-based therapy methods for treating trauma, such as cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure therapy.
How an online mental health professional can help address trauma
Some people who have experienced trauma might live in an area with few therapists. Others might feel hesitant to speak with a therapist in person about a traumatic experience. In these and other cases, individuals may benefit from exploring online therapy.
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, clients can choose a remote communication method that’s most comfortable for them: audio call, video call, and/or live chat. They can also reach out to their licensed therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and the therapist will respond as soon as they can. This option may prove to be useful during days or nights when a person experiences flashbacks or emotional challenges related to trauma.
In addition to offering flexible communication options, online therapy has a strong evidence base in the psychological literature. In recent years, numerous studies have suggested online therapy to be effective for treating a number of disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Takeaway
What does a trauma profile test ask?
Each trauma profile test is different, but they often present a series of statements and ask the test taker to decide to what degree they agree or disagree with the statements. For example, a trauma test might ask if a person identifies with statements about having experienced emotional or physical abuse during childhood. A trauma profile test might also ask about symptoms a person may be experiencing in their daily life as a result of what they’ve been through.
What are the benefits of trauma assessment?
A trauma assessment may help identify current responses to past trauma. Some people may not be aware that some of their current physical and psychological symptoms could be related to past events. Once such connections are identified, a person may be able to seek and engage in more effective treatment.
Can an online trauma quiz accurately identify childhood trauma?
An online trauma quiz may help a person identify possible symptoms of trauma related to past events. However, online trauma tests aren’t typically designed for diagnosis of trauma-related disorders or accurate identification of trauma-related events. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose and treat such disorders.
What are some treatment methods for trauma?
The American Psychological Association (APA) strongly recommends four types of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder specifically, which may also be helpful for those who have experienced trauma but have not developed PTSD. These are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Prolonged exposure
- Cognitive therapy
The APA also provides a conditional recommendation for three types of psychotherapy: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, brief eclectic psychotherapy, and narrative exposure therapy.
Can medication help with trauma?
The APA conditionally recommends four types of medication for PTSD. Medication is usually combined with psychotherapy for individuals experiencing PTSD. Be sure to consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
What is a trauma test for mental health?
The term “trauma test” generally refers to various assessment tools used by mental health professionals to determine whether clients have experienced traumatic events and if they are experiencing related mental health conditions. Adverse experiences like domestic violence, physical or sexual assault, and natural disasters can lead to psychological impacts like PTSD symptoms.
What is the psychiatrist test for PTSD?
Common assessments for PTSD include the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID), and the PTSD Checklist (PCL). These assessments can look for concerns like hyperarousal symptoms, difficulty sleeping, negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and more. Although it’s commonly believed that only combat veterans can develop PTSD, this isn’t the case. Many types of trauma can lead to the development of PTSD.
What is the adult trauma screening tool?
One trauma screening tool for adults is the Structured Trauma-Related Experiences & Symptoms Screener (STRESS), although there are many other assessments that can be used as well. These assessments can help professionals understand whether individuals have experienced trauma and how that trauma continues to affect them in daily life.
How do therapists diagnose trauma?
Trauma itself is not a diagnosis. However, people who have experienced trauma sometimes go on to develop a psychiatric mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder. This disorder can be diagnosed through an interview and various assessments.
What is the best trauma test?
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) is generally viewed as the gold standard for PTSD assessment. Once a diagnosis has been established, a mental health professional can evaluate treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan for their client.
What is the trauma score test for adults?
The ACES (adverse childhood experiences) quiz evaluates the level of trauma experienced in childhood. In many cases, those who have experienced significant childhood trauma have a greater risk of developing mental health disorders like complex PTSD and personality disorders.
What are the eight childhood traumas?
There are many types of childhood trauma. Eight of the most common include emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, loss of a parent or caregiver, witnessing domestic violence, serious accidents, and natural disasters.
What mental illness is caused by childhood trauma?
Many mental illnesses stem from childhood trauma in combination with other factors. Depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder are a few examples. These disorders can be treated with mental health care, especially therapy. A licensed therapist can employ various therapeutic approaches to teach their client healthy coping skills and help them move forward on their healing journey toward a fulfilling life. Support groups can also be valuable resources for individuals who have experienced trauma.
What is the most damaging trauma?
The effects of trauma are unique to each person, so it’s impossible to determine one “most damaging” trauma. However, cumulative trauma is believed to have much more significant impacts than single-episode trauma.
What is the most serious trauma level?
Level 1 is considered the most serious trauma level in the context of trauma centers. Level 1 trauma centers are specialist care facilities in which surgeons must be present 24/7.
Thanks for the feedback!
- Next Article