PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that affects individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. Even long after the event ends, PTSD can cause intense negative reactions, mood swings, and even flashbacks.

Symptoms of PTSD may not develop right away and can persist for several months or years after the traumatic event.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

The symptoms of PTSD vary from person to person. However, most individuals experience intense anxiety and discomfort. There are four categories of PTSD symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts/mood, and physical/emotional changes. Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Nightmares
• Recurrent memories of the event
• Avoiding places, people, or objects associated with the event
• Depression
• Loss of interest in once-loved activities
• Detachment from loved ones
• Difficulty performing at work or school
• Emotional numbness
• Hopelessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Anger
• Self-destructive behavior
• Fear

While PTSD symptoms often develop around one month after a traumatic event, they can begin several years later.

PTSD also shares many symptoms of panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorders, so a proper diagnosis is critical to creating a proper treatment plan that addresses your needs.

What causes PTSD?

Most cases of PTSD begin after an individual witnesses or is involved in a traumatic event, such as death, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or serious injury. Some people are more vulnerable to PTSD than others. Risk factors for PTSD include:

• A family history of anxiety or depression
• Underlying mental health conditions
• Hormonal or chemical changes in your brain
• Past trauma

Certain personality traits, such as neuroticism and persistent negativity, can also increase your risk of PTSD.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Diagnosing PTSD involves performing a complete physical exam to rule out underlying conditions. Next, the team performs a psychological assessment in which they ask about your symptoms, habits, and lifestyle. They also ask questions about the traumatic event you experienced.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

The Alevea Mental Health team takes an integrative approach to PTSD treatment that may include a combination of medication and therapy. Standard treatments for PTSD typically include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Lifestyle changes

Call Alevea Mental Health or schedule an appointment online to learn more about PTSD.