PTSD

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops after someone goes through a shocking, life-threatening, or scary experience. It’s normal to feel on edge or fearful after going through a traumatic event. However, in most cases, your fear and anxiety improve over time with good self-care and support.

With PTSD, on the other hand, your fear and anxiety worsen over time and lead to other symptoms that affect your day-to-day activities, including your ability to work and socialize with friends and family. 

What are PTSD symptoms?

With PTSD, symptoms usually appear within the first three months of the traumatic event and last a month or longer. However, it’s not unusual for PTSD symptoms to develop years later.

For a diagnosis, you must exhibit the following symptoms for at least one month:

• Re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares)
• Avoidance symptoms (purposely avoid people, places)
• Arousal and reactivity symptoms (quick to anger, always feeling on edge)
• Cognition and mood symptoms (feelings of shame, difficulty concentrating)

Children and adolescents with PTSD may experience different symptoms, such as:

• Bedwetting
• Forgetting how to walk
• Separation anxiety
• Acting out the scary event
• Disruptive, disrespectful behavior

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, contact Bellevue Psychiatry for an evaluation.

What are PTSD risk factors?

Anyone can develop PTSD. However, not everyone who goes through a traumatic event develops this mental health disorder. You may be at greater risk of developing PTSD if you have a personal mental health history or family history of mental health conditions. 

You may also be more likely to develop PTSD if you were physically hurt or experience additional stress after the traumatic event. 

How is PTSD treated?

Bellevue Psychiatry takes a trauma-focused approach to treating PTSD. Your treatment plan may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping you understand the thoughts and feelings you have surrounding your traumatic event and developing techniques to improve your reaction. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

During EMDR therapy, you relive the traumatic experiences in small doses while your mental health specialist at Bellevue Psychiatry directs your eye movement, which helps reduce the vividness and emotions attached to your trauma. 

Bellevue Psychiatry also provides medication management to assist with symptoms as needed.

To schedule a consultation to get help with your PTSD, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.