The difference between single event trauma and complex trauma

You may have heard the terms single event and complex trauma and you maybe wondering what the difference between the two are. You maybe asking aren’t ALL traumas complex?

A single event trauma is just that, a single event that is extremely distressing and overwhelms the brain’s capacity to cope. Examples of single event traumas include assaults, any form of serious accidents and a near drowning. The impact of single event trauma can be devastating and long lasting. The range of consequences can include PTSD, nightmares, specific phobias, avoidance issues, depression anxiety and panic attacks.

Complex trauma is often defined as trauma that occurs repeatedly and over an extended period of time. What also makes it complex is that it is often caused at the hands of a trusted person who is meant to be protective, such as a parent or a grandparent. Complex trauma includes long term physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse. Consequences of complex trauma are also devastating and can include trust issues, self-esteem issues, interpersonal difficulties, difficulties with intimacy, depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidality.

Both single event and complex trauma are responsive to and can be treated with Eye Movemen Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.