POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Q & A

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic, sometimes life-threatening, event.

It’s not uncommon to feel anxious and upset after a troublesome experience. However, these feelings of anxiety and unease usually improve over time with good self-care and support.

With PTSD, the symptoms of anxiety and unease are chronic and worsen over time, causing intense thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event that interferes with your daily life. Your symptoms may be so severe that they affect your ability to work or socialize.

You don’t always have to go through a traumatic event to develop PTSD. You may develop PTSD after the unexpected death of a loved one or after someone close to you experiences something dangerous or harmful. 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD fall into four categories. For a PTSD diagnosis, you must experience one or more symptoms from each category.

Intrusive thoughts: Intrusive thoughts encompass ongoing flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts related to the traumatic event. 
Avoidance symptoms: Avoidance symptoms include avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the traumatic event. 
Alterations in mood and cognition: With PTSD, you may be unable to remember key details about that traumatic event (alterations in cognition). Additionally, you may have negative thoughts and feelings that affect your mood and behavior. 
Alterations in arousal and reactivity: People with PTSD may be quick to anger or behave in reckless, self-destructive ways. 

What happens during a PTSD evaluation?

The team at Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you raise concerns about PTSD. During your exam, they ask detailed questions about your symptoms and the event that triggered them. Your provider also reviews your medical and mental health history and your family history.

Through this evaluation, your provider can determine a diagnosis. 

How is PTSD treated?

PTSD affects everyone differently, and no single treatment works for all. The expert team at Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic develops individualized treatment plans for PTSD based on the severity of symptoms, mental health and medical history, and personal preferences.

Your treatment may include:

• Medication: The team prescribes medications that alleviate symptoms, which may include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

• Psychotherapy: There are many types of psychotherapy that benefit people struggling with PTSD. It uses various tools and methods to help those with severe symptoms get relief from PTSD.

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, call Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic, or book an appointment online today.