Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD occurs after a person has witnessed, been involved in, or been told of a traumatic event to a close family member or friend. These traumatic events could include but not limited to; an assault, military combat, sexual violence, car wreck, or major natural disaster. It is natural to feel scared or afraid after the traumatic event. Symptoms may resolve within six months. Adults and children can be affected and presenting symptoms may look different. Symptoms have to occur for more than one month and cause such distress it impairs daily functioning.
PTSD Symptoms in Adults and Children Older than 6 Years Old:
- Thinking about event when you don’t want to and causes distress
- Physical reaction when reminded of event (anxiety, racing heartbeat, shortness of breath)
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Avoiding thoughts, people, and situations that trigger traumatic memories
- Inability to feel a positive emotion
- Detachment from loved ones
- Excessive guilt or shame
- Not being able to remember aspects of the traumatic event
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Always feeling on alert
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reckless behaviors
PTSD in Children Younger than 6 Years and Younger:
- Bed wetting
- Reenact event during play
- Nightmares
- Clingier to parents
- Headaches or abdominal pain
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Diagnosis is made by your mental health provider after thorough history of the event and associated symptoms is taken
- Treatment includes different types of psychotherapy and medication management
- Antidepressants have shown to be very effective with both depressive and anxious symptoms associated to PTSD
- Other medications may be prescribed to target specific symptoms, such as sleep disturbance and nightmares
- Combination of both psychotherapy and medications have shown to be more effective together
Working together with you to find the right medication(s) that will relieve symptoms with the least amount of side effects is our goal. It may take time to find the right dose, but we are dedicated in helping you feel and cope better. Not everyone reacts the same to medications as not all symptoms are the same. We will monitor your progress and decide when a different approach should be tried.
We are here to help you or your loved one that may be suffering from symptoms of PTSD. It is easy to schedule an appointment. Just click on the button below to view our availability and scheduling.
