Posttaumatic symptoms are usually a sequel to traumatic life experiences but can also be derived and/or exacerbated by intergenerational trauma. Trauma sufferers are documented to have greater relationships difficulties, AOD issues, health concerns, and increased probability of forensic engagement.
Traumatic Stress symptoms are clustered into 4 groups;
1. Arousal & Reactivity
2. Negative Cognitions & Mood
3. Persistent Avoidance &
4. Intrusive Symptoms of memories, flashbacks, anxiety & panic.
Cluster 1 & 2 represent the dominant focus of referrals whereas the latter may represent the most important work in recovery.
Foreshortened Future (FSF) is a discrete symptom that was dropped out of the current DSM-IV manual, and represent a gap in trauma enquiry.
FSF represents a strong loss of hope for the future that often predicts a numbered limit to the lifespan. The author has interviewed 11 males and 1 female with FSF with inner life expectancies from 13 to 27 years of age.
A case study of 13yrs will be presented an lived experience of 21 acknowledged.
It’s logical that FSF cognitions may be associated with school refusal, risk taking behaviour, and a deficit of future planning.
This presentation will present FSF within a framework of post-traumatic stress, strategies for identification and recovery, and a challenge to the workforce to assess and focus on the most meaningful symptoms to generate recovery.