Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It’s normal to experience fear and anxiety in the face of danger, but when these feelings continue to affect you after the initial threat has passed, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. Olivier, PMHNP-BC, treats PTSD in patients of all ages at the Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group. If you or a loved one suffers from PTSD, call the Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group.
Most everyone has had events that can be described as traumatic. Sometimes, we have the support we need to resolve the trauma but other times they are left unresolved. Trauma can be many things: unexpected/untimely deaths of loved ones, car accidents, serious injuries, significant health change, sexual harassment/abuse/rape, childhood emotion/physical/psychological abuse, domestic violence victim or observer, multiple moves as a child, family break-ups, divorce, and many other life events that maybe alone are manageable but when combined with others becomes too much for our system to handle. We understand that trauma plays havoc on our central nervous system and can cause high levels of anxiety, depression, problems with relationships, low levels of hope, and some acting out through criminal and/or addictive behaviors. We work with you on your specific needs and use grounded approaches in CBT, Schema, ACT, DBT, and, at times, EMDR to help process the trauma and move into a fulfilling life.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who experience or witness a terrifying event. Examples of events that may trigger PTSD include:
War/Combat
Natural disasters
Bad accidents
Acts of violence
Rape or other personal assault
Sudden, unexpected death of a loved one
When you have PTSD, the stress and fear associated with these events continue even though you’re no longer in danger.
Most of the time, PTSD symptoms begin within three months after the frightening experience. In some cases, symptoms can take years to develop.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD causes a wide range of symptoms that fall into four main categories:
Reexperiencing symptoms
These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive, frightening thoughts that make you feel like you’re reliving the trauma repeatedly. Reexperiencing symptoms may result from your thoughts or be triggered by something that reminds you of the event.
Avoidance symptoms
Avoidance symptoms include staying away from places or objects that remind you of the traumatic event and avoiding thoughts or feelings related to it.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms
These symptoms tend to be constant rather than triggered by a particular thought, place, or object. Arousal symptoms include tense and edgy, difficulty sleeping, and anger outbursts.
Cognition and mood symptoms
Cognition and mood symptoms can make you feel isolated and detached from family and friends. These symptoms include loss of interest in pleasurable activities, distorted feelings of guilt or blame, and difficulty remembering things.
How is PTSD treated?
First, Olivier, PMHNP-BC, performs a physical exam and psychological evaluation to confirm your PTSD diagnosis. Then, he works with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you regain control over your life.
If your PTSD occurs with another problem, such as depression or substance abuse, Olivier, PMHNP-BC also addresses that.
Treatment for PTSD usually includes medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If your symptoms continue to interfere with your routine despite repeated attempts at treatment, Olivier, PMHNP-BC, may recommend ketamine infusion therapy.
To find relief from PTSD, call the Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group today.
