PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after you experience or witness a traumatic event.

Any traumatic event may affect your mental and emotional well-being. However, with self-care and support, most people recover from their trauma.

With PTSD, you continue to have symptoms related to the traumatic experience that get worse over time. These symptoms may be so severe that they affect your routine and relationships.

PTSD affects people of all ages. 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

People with PTSD usually develop symptoms within three months of the traumatic event. Some people may not develop PTSD until years later.

PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:

Re-experiencing symptoms

Flashbacks, nightmares, and frightening thoughts are types of PTSD re-experiencing symptoms. 

Avoidance symptoms

Avoidance symptoms include staying away from people, places, or situations that remind you of the traumatic event. The desire to avoid thoughts and feelings about the event is also a type of PTSD avoidance symptom. 

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

Feeling on edge, being easily startled, and having angry outbursts are arousal and reactivity symptoms. With PTSD, you feel these symptoms all the time, which can make you feel stressed and angry.

Cognition and mood symptoms

With cognition and mood PTSD symptoms, you may have trouble remembering the details of the event and have negative thoughts about yourself and the world.

For a PTSD diagnosis, you must experience symptoms from all four categories for a month or more. 

How is PTSD treated?

The team at Integrated Neurology Services takes an individualized approach to care. After conducting an in-depth evaluation to fully understand your mental health needs, they customize your PTSD treatment plan, which may include:

Medication management

Your provider may prescribe psychiatric medication to ease your PTSD symptoms. They work closely with you to help find the right medication and dose.

Your genetics may influence the effectiveness of your psychiatric medication, so your specialist conducts pharmacogenetic testing to ensure you get the right treatment. 

Psychotherapy

During psychotherapy, Integrated Neurology Services uses various therapeutic techniques to help you understand your symptoms, identify your triggers, and develop strategies for managing symptoms. Your provider may also collaborate with friends and family to help you get outside support for your PTSD.

Schedule an appointment at Integrated Neurology Services by calling or booking online today.