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Live Webinar

Exploration of the Diagnostic Comorbidity of Trauma with Dissociations and Specific Mood Disorders

Aurora Clark, Ed.S., LPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least four clinical outcomes associated with the comorbidity of trauma, dissociation, and mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, psychosis).

  • Analyze the relationship between PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including the directionality of symptom development and impact on functioning.

  • Compare symptom presentations of dissociation versus psychosis, accurately distinguishing at least three key differences in clinical features.

  • Evaluate how high trait anxiety influences trauma responses, including effects on emotional regulation, cognition, and memory.

Educational Goal

Trauma-related disorders frequently co-occur with depression, anxiety, and psychosis, with dissociation acting as a central mechanism that intensifies symptoms and shapes how these conditions interact. The presentation emphasizes that these overlapping conditions are best understood and treated through a transdiagnostic approach that addresses shared underlying processes rather than treating each diagnosis in isolation.

Description

This presentation examines the diagnostic comorbidity of trauma, particularly PTSD, with dissociation, depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Comorbidity is defined as the simultaneous presence of multiple disorders, which interact to shape symptom presentation, treatment outcomes, and prognosis. A major focus is the strong overlap between PTSD and major depressive disorder, where co-occurrence leads to more severe symptoms, greater suicide risk, and poorer functioning, with PTSD often predicting later depression. The presentation also highlights how high trait anxiety intensifies trauma responses, contributing to emotional dysregulation, intrusive memories, and avoidance patterns. Additionally, trauma is linked to increased risk of psychosis, with dissociation emerging as a key mediating factor influencing symptoms like hallucinations. Neurobiological impacts, particularly in the temporal lobe, further explain disruptions in memory, perception, and emotion regulation. Overall, the findings support transdiagnostic treatment approaches that address interconnected symptoms rather than isolated diagnoses.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Aurora Clark, Ed.S., LPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS
With over 15 years of clinical and leadership experience in mental health care, a deep commitment to trauma-informed treatment, and a strong foundation in diverse therapeutic modalities, I bring a compassionate and comprehensive evidence-based approaches to supporting clients on their healing journeys. My clinical work has focused on trauma recovery, on mood regulation and personality disorders management, helping clients increase self-trust, develop resilience, and reconnect with life equipped with knowledge and with increased control over symptoms and trauma narrative contexts. As a therapist and former director of PHP/IOP/EOP levels of care, as a current trainer of therapists and psychologists in the treatment of trauma and dissociation symptoms, I believe in empowering clients to become self-aware, to embrace and live life with awareness and strength.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Family Care Center