History of Traumatic Stress Traumatic exposure and its aftermath are not new phenomena. Humans have experienced tragedies and disaster throughout history. Beginning in the 17th century, anecdotal evidence of trauma exposure and subsequent responses were more frequently reported. Traumatic stress responses have been labeled in numerous ways over the years. This recognition of stress-related reactions was a major step in the development of an empirical literature base investigating traumatic stress.
Traumatic events are typically unexpected and uncontrollable.
They may overwhelm an individual's sense of safety and security and leave a person feeling vulnerable and insecure in their environment. Included within this category are natural and accidental disasters as well as deliberately caused human-made disasters. Natural disasters include events such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and avalanches. Examples include natural and technological disasters such as chronic illness, nuclear accidents, and toxic spills. These symptoms persist for more than one month and cause clinically significant impairment in daily functioning.