PTSD
Conditions We Treat
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What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as military combat, natural disasters, accidents, or personal assault. Individuals with PTSD may relive the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoid reminders of the event, and experience heightened anxiety or emotional numbness.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but they are typically grouped into four main categories: intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and relationships. Below are the key features of each category:
1.Intrusion Symptoms:
- Recurrent, involuntary distressing memories or dreams.
- Flashbacks that feel like the trauma is happening again.
2.Avoidance Symptoms:
- Avoiding reminders (people, places, activities) of the trauma.
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.
3.Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition:
- Persistent negative emotions (shame, guilt, fear).
- Distorted beliefs about oneself or others (e.g., "I can’t trust anyone").
- Difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma.
4.Hyperarousal Symptoms:
- Irritability or aggressive behavior.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Diagnosing PTSD requires a comprehensive assessment that includes:
Clinical Interview:
Comprehensive assessment of trauma exposure and symptoms.
Use of diagnostic tools such as the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5).
Functional Assessment:
- Impact of symptoms on daily life and relationships.
Co-occurring Conditions:
- Screening for depression, substance use, and anxiety disorders.
Structured Diagnostic Interviews:
- Tools like the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) are used for formal diagnosis.
Trauma Timeline:
- Evaluation of trauma history over time to understand patterns and identify chronic vs. acute responses.
Risk and Safety Assessment:
- Evaluation of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or aggressive behavior associated with hyperarousal or dissociation.
Treatment Options
1. Psychotherapy:
Trauma-Focused CBT: Helps process and reframe traumatic memories.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Facilitates processing of trauma through guided eye movements.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Reduces symptoms by gradually confronting trauma-related memories and cues.
- Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET): Particularly useful for individuals with complex trauma histories.
2. Medication:
SSRIs and SNRIs: First-line medications include sertraline and paroxetine.
Prazosin: Can be helpful in reducing trauma-related nightmares.
- Antipsychotics or Mood Stabilizers: Used in severe cases or when co-occurring symptoms are present.
3. Lifestyle and Support:
Peer Support Groups: Offer shared experiences and coping tips.
Mindfulness Practices: Reduce stress and enhance emotional regulation.
Healthy Routine: Promotes stability in mood and behavior.
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Support animals may aid emotional recovery and reduce anxiety.
Sleep and Nutrition Counseling: Supports physiological regulation and resilience.
