Trauma and the Body: Assessment Led Guidance

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Trauma can affect the body as well as the mind. Some people describe physical sensations, tension, a sense of being on alert, difficulty settling, or physical symptoms that are hard to explain. A guide cannot diagnose a trauma related condition or determine whether physical symptoms are related to a past experience. An assessment can consider the person's current experience, health, safety and priorities. Physical symptoms can have many possible explanations, including medical conditions, medication, sleep disruption, physical health conditions, neurodivergence and other factors. New, severe or changing physical symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. A psychological explanation and a medical question can both need attention at the same time, and a website cannot determine which applies. Research has explored associations between difficult experiences and changes in how the body responds to stress and perceived threat. These are group level findings from research studies. They do not diagnose a condition, determine a cause in an individual case or predict the outcome of treatment. A guide cannot determine whether research findings apply to an individual. CBT may be considered after individual assessment where trauma is affecting daily life. Trauma focused or exposure based work should be planned with a suitably qualified clinician after discussion of the rationale, alternatives, safety and pacing. A guide is not a self directed programme for somatic or exposure work. For related information, see trauma focused CBT at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/trauma/, the trauma and PTSD guide at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/trauma ptsd comprehensive guide/, trauma neuroscience at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/trauma neuroscience/ and trauma at work at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/trauma work relationships/. If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.