Definition of trauma

The word "trauma" stems from the Greek word "τράομα" (trauma), which translates to "wound" or "injury." In classical Greek, the term referred specifically to a physical injury, as it was commonly used by physicians to describe wounds or breaks in the body. However, the meaning of "trauma" evolved over time, particularly in the field of psychology. In the late 19th century, psychiatrists began using the term to describe experiences that inflicted severe emotional or psychological harm, rather than just physical harm. This shift in meaning was largely driven by Sigmund Freud's theories on the origins of neuroses, which suggested that early childhood experiences could have a lasting psychological impact. By the mid-20th century, the definition of trauma had expanded to include any event that is deeply distressing or traumatic, regardless of whether it results in physical injury. Today, the concept of trauma is deeply entrenched in various fields, such as psychoanalysis, psychology, psychiatry, and social work, as it encompasses a wide range of negative experiences, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, natural disasters, and combat. These experiences can have long-lasting impacts on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).