Trauma-Oriented Medical Care: Bridging Medicine and Psychotherapy

In the past decade, the issue of trauma has gained significant attention in psychological and medical research. Advances in psychophysiology, neuropsychology, and psychotherapy have greatly improved our understanding of the progression and consequences of psychological trauma. Treatment methods for trauma now boast a high success rate. Trauma and psychotraumatology are especially critical in emergency and medical services. Recognizing the nature of trauma and applying principles of early intervention can considerably reduce its long-term negative effects (Goldstein et al., 2024). Additionally, understanding how past trauma—sometimes from long ago—affects current psychological and physical health can clarify behaviors often seen as maladaptive, such as excessive anxiety, heightened sensitivity to pain, uncontrollable anger, substance addiction, or self-harm. This insight can enhance the diagnostic and treatment process. Trauma-informed care in medicine acts as a bridge between medical treatment and psychotherapy. Since trauma affects both the mind and the body, treatment should be grounded in a holistic view of the individual (Mikhail et al., 2018). Understanding trauma mechanisms is also crucial for preventive mental health care professionals (McKann & Pearlman, 1990).