PTSD

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that sometimes develops after you have a traumatic experience where you feel your life is in danger. While around 70% of Americans experience trauma at some point during their lives, approximately 20% of them develop PTSD. 

Physicians began to diagnose PTSD during World War I, although then it was called shell-shock. Today, mental health care providers know that a wide range of experiences can trigger PTSD, including personal assault, active shooter situations, serious accidents, and natural disasters. 

What are the signs of PTSD?

Everyone responds to trauma slightly differently. Some people experience increased anxiety or other symptoms almost immediately after trauma, and their symptoms subside over time. PTSD tends to emerge a little later, and instead of fading, your symptoms intensify with time. 

PTSD also causes four distinct categories of symptoms.

Intrusive thoughts

Nightmares and flashbacks are well-known PTSD symptoms. These intrusive memories cause distress and are often so vivid that you feel like you’re reliving the event. 

Avoidance

You might go out of your way to avoid people or places that trigger memories of your experience. When unmanaged, avoidance behaviors can become extraordinarily restrictive and interfere with your ability to go to work or school.

Negative thoughts and feelings

PTSD can cause negative thoughts about yourself or others. For example, you might develop a distrust of other people or live with feelings of guilt or shame about your trauma. You might also lose interest in previously enjoyed activities or withdraw from family and friends.

Heightened arousal

PTSD can also increase your irritability or make you feel jumpy or restless. You might have trouble controlling your anger or engage in reckless or self-destructive behavior.

You might also develop other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse when you have PTSD.

How is PTSD treated?

The team at Plymouth Psych Group provides a holistic approach to treating PTSD. They consider every aspect of your mental, emotional, and physical health as well as your lifestyle and other environmental factors. 

Following your initial evaluation, the team works with you to create a multidisciplinary treatment plan. Depending on your needs, your program could include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and other therapies. They aim to help you resolve your traumatic memories and experiences to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

If you have symptoms of PTSD, don’t delay treatment. Call Plymouth Psych Group or schedule an appointment online today. 

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