PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD Services Offered in Boynton Beach, FL
PTSD Frequently Asked Questions
What is PTSD?
PTSD begins after you experience or witness a traumatic event or prolonged exposure to a frightening or stressful experience.
The traumatic events most often responsible for PTSD include:
- Military duty
- Gun violence
- Domestic violence
- Robberies
- Accidents (car, plane, boat, etc.)
- Assault (physical or sexual)
- Emotional abuse
- Death of a loved one
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes)
You can also develop PTSD after hearing about a traumatic event experienced by a close friend or family member.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Everyone experiences anxiety after a traumatic event, but fear and other feelings should gradually improve. If you still have intense feelings after a month, you may have PTSD.
In addition to ongoing anxiety, PTSD causes symptoms such as:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Anger and irritability
- Guilt and shame
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance
Avoidance means you purposefully steer clear of the people, places, and activities that may trigger memories of your traumatic event. Your need to avoid flashbacks and memories is so intense you may skip out on work or reschedule daily activities.
Why do PTSD symptoms suddenly flare up?
During a traumatic event, your brain records the details, like smells, sounds, and other sensations. However, you don’t remember them because your brain tucks them away in your subconscious.
Eventually, you will encounter one of those details as you go about your daily life. Then, the detail triggers your subconscious, bringing back vivid memories of the trauma. Suddenly remembering the traumatic event leads to powerful emotions and behaviors that can be difficult to manage.
How is PTSD treated?
Your provider at MedSpa Psychiatry develops a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and whether you have other challenges frequently associated with PTSD, such as insomnia and depression.
PTSD treatment often includes medication, either alone or with therapy. Your provider may prescribe antidepressants to treat the core symptoms of PTSD. For example, antidepressants can help relieve anger, sadness, and worry.
Your provider may recommend other medications for difficult symptoms, such as anxiety or agitation.
Several types of therapy can help you cope with your feelings, make sense of your memories, and learn coping skills for dealing with memory triggers.
If your PTSD symptoms don’t improve or get worse, call MindSpa Psychiatry or request an appointment online today.
