Psychotraumatology

Lore & Background

The emergence of psychotraumatology as a field began with the legitimization of PTSD as a psychological disorder. Symptoms of PTSD have been reported in war contexts since the 6th century B.C., but the disorder was not officially recognized until the American Psychiatric Association classified it in 1980. Clinical research on PTSD increased dramatically after that, giving way to the field of psychotraumatology. The term 'psychotraumatology' was coined by George S. Everly Jr. and Jeffrey M. Lating in the text entitled 'Psychotraumatology' (1995).

Before that term was adopted, there was debate about naming. Donovan (1991) suggested 'traumatology' to unite the field, but Schnitt (1993) expressed concern because 'traumatology' also denotes the branch of medicine dealing with wounds and injuries. Donovan (1993) argued the term was socially influential and pragmatically useful, despite potential ambiguity. The addition of the prefix 'psycho-' in 1995 clarified the focus on psychological trauma.

The field examines three main categories: factors before a traumatizing event (e.g., personal developmental history, familial history, predisposing personality factors), factors during the event (environmental, interpersonal, situational, biological), and factors after the event (psychological responses, central nervous system effects, behavioral and psychophysiological effects).

Reader's Guide

Psychotraumatology's significance lies in providing a structured framework for understanding and treating psychological trauma, moving beyond the historical neglect of such conditions. Its formal recognition in 1980 with PTSD's classification catalyzed research and clinical practice. The field's development involved resolving terminological ambiguity, ultimately settling on 'psychotraumatology' to distinguish it from medical traumatology. This clarity has facilitated the growth of evidence-based treatment models and professional specialization. Since 2021, Certified Trauma Professionals can use the abbreviation PsyT to denote advanced training. The field has produced sub-specializations in dissociation, childhood/developmental trauma, and complex PTSD. Professional bodies such as the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies promote research and standards. The International Psychotrauma Institute (formerly IATP) functions as a global governing body, publishing the 'Handbook of Psychotraumatology' and offering certification. Notable figures include Judith L. Herman, Bessel van der Kolk, Onno van der Hart, Gabor Maté, Bruce Perry, Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, Colin A. Ross, Vedat Şar, Marlene Steinberg, Francine Shapiro, Rachel Yehuda, and Janina Fisher.

Did You Know?

• The term 'psychotraumatology' was coined by George S. Everly Jr. and Jeffrey M. Lating in 1995.
• PTSD symptoms have been reported in war contexts since the 6th century B.C., but the disorder was not officially recognized until 1980.
• Since 2021, Certified Trauma Professionals who have achieved major training can use the abbreviation PsyT after their names.
• The International Psychotrauma Institute (formerly IATP) publishes the 'Handbook of Psychotraumatology' as a core compendium.