Relationship trauma results from abusive behavior occurring between intimate partners. The trauma can stem from emotional , physical, or sexual abuse endured during the relationship and produce long-lasting psychological and physical effects. This article discusses the signs of relationship trauma and how to find treatment and support. However, it is a proposed syndrome that would fit under the umbrella of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD.
The concept of PTRS emerged as researchers studied individuals after the end of an abusive relationship and found symptoms similar to those observed in PTSD. PTSD develops in response to extremely stressful or traumatic events and is characterized by intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks and recurrent nightmares and avoidance symptoms such as the avoidance of thoughts, situations, or people who remind you of the trauma.
Many of these same symptoms are seen in people with PTRS. There is still a lot to learn about the effects of PTRS specifically. What is known is that PTRS differs from PTSD in that avoidance symptoms may be largely driven by trauma-related shame as opposed to trauma-related fear or horror.
This appears true even if there was physical or sexual violence in the relationship. As with PTSD, avoidance behaviors appear to make symptoms worse by reinforcing the belief that even thinking about the traumaβor your feelings of shameβwill somehow harm you. Ending an abusive relationship is just one step in the process of healing from an unhealthy situation. Relationship trauma can incite feelings of rage and anger toward the abusive partner. In the aftermath, the traumatized person may experience fear, guilt, shame, disgust, and sadness and find themselves re-imagining the trauma.
Signs of relationship trauma may include:. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline , violence and abuse occur in an intimate relationship when one partner engages in behaviors to control, manipulate, or gain power over the other partner. In addition, stressful life events, a history of trauma in the abusive partner's life, and drug or alcohol use can escalate dangerous situations and abuse in relationships.
