Around 9% of the entire population will face PTSD. Whether you wonder, \u201cWhat is PTSD?\u201d after experiencing a traumatic event or question, \u201cWhat does PTSD mean?\u201d it\u2019s crucial to understand the effects of this illness.<\/p>\n
At Dr. Quintal & Associates, we have years of experience treating patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Whether you\u2019re a veteran or have survived domestic violence, our team has the knowledge and skill to provide you with the tools you need to manage PTSD. We\u2019ll discuss your situation and develop the perfect treatment plan.<\/p>\n
PTSD has many causes, including war, natural disasters, sexual abuse, physical or emotional domestic violence, vehicular accidents, and other traumatic experiences. Not everyone develops PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event\u2014some individuals never develop the condition, while others show PTSD signs immediately.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t necessarily have to be the victim of a traumatic event to develop PTSD. Individuals that witness traumatic events or hear about loved ones enduring a trauma can also develop the disorder.<\/p>\n
PTSD means patients may deal with many different symptoms. Memories of the event, negative thoughts, heightened emotional and physical reactions, and avoiding triggers are common aspects of the disorder.<\/p>\n
In some cases, PTSD worsens with time, stress, and interaction with triggers. It can also result in suicidal ideation. It\u2019s best to speak with a medical professional if your symptoms worsen or you struggle with thoughts of harming yourself or others.<\/p>\n
Acute stress disorder is a mild form of PTSD that may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder later. Some patients may develop complex PTSD (CTPSD) after traumatic events have occurred over an extensive period.<\/p>\n
A significant characteristic regarding \u201cWhat is PTSD?\u201d is the memory of the event. Some individuals may block out the trauma, while others get frequent flashbacks as if they are reliving it. Many individuals also have nightmares of the event or get intrusive thoughts.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s common for many people with PTSD to avoid going back to where the trauma occurred, discussing it, or associating with people who remind them of the event. Staying inside to avoid triggers is also typical. For example, a war veteran may get anxious during fireworks as they sound similar to combat explosives and therefore avoid celebrating the Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
People with PTSD also have heightened nervous system arousal. They may be hypervigilant in public, have problems sleeping or focusing, be easily frightened, or display aggression. Children with PTSD may enact trauma with their toys or have nightmares.<\/p>\n
People with PTSD undergo negative changes in thinking after suffering a traumatic event. They may feel hopeless, numb, or detached. Some blame themselves or are unable to feel happiness.
\nMany individuals no longer find interest in previously-loved hobbies, while others may withdraw from friends and family. These negative thinking patterns may result in harmful coping mechanisms other than avoidance.<\/p>\n
To determine whether you have PTSD, a mental health specialist will perform a psychological evaluation and diagnose you according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).<\/p>\n
Medical professionals, veterans, and first responders are among the most common individuals to receive a PTSD diagnosis, as they are likely to witness horrific injuries or severe violence in their daily life. Women and racial minorities also make up a large number of people with PTSD.<\/p>\n
While the definition of PTSD means the condition is incurable, symptoms are manageable. Treatment options include talk therapy and medication.
\nPsychotherapy allows you to discuss traumatic events and gain healthy coping skills to use when symptoms manifest. Cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy are some of the top options.<\/p>\n
Medications, including antidepressants and those for anxiety, may reduce negative thinking and heightened arousal symptoms. Some options may also be available for decreasing PTSD nightmares.<\/p>\n
If you or a loved one has PTSD, it\u2019s important to get mental health help fast to mitigate a traumatic event\u2019s effects and cope with lingering symptoms. No matter the severity of the event, indicators of PTSD are manageable with the proper treatment.<\/p>\n
At Dr. Quintal & Associates in Lakewood Ranch, FL, we have an extensive selection of therapists experienced with treating post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information on \u201cWhat is PTSD?\u201d speak with our friendly professionals today at 1 (941) 907-0525.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Around 9% of the entire population will face PTSD. Whether you wonder, \u201cWhat is PTSD?\u201d after experiencing a traumatic event or question, \u201cWhat does PTSD mean?\u201d it\u2019s crucial to understand the effects of this illness. PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is an anxiety-related mental health disorder commonly occurring in individuals after they witness…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1642,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n