PTSD

About 8 million Americans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) every year. At My Psych Today in Katy, Texas, Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, offers expert diagnosis and compassionate treatment for PTSD. He combines a variety of therapies to help you recover and regain a healthy, active, and fulfilling life. Call the office or request a consultation online today.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder that develops after you experience a traumatic event, such as an active shooter situation, personal assault, or natural disaster. PTSD was initially diagnosed in military veterans in the First and Second World Wars when it was known as shell shock or combat fatigue. Today, mental health professionals understand that a wide range of traumatic experiences triggers the illness.

Many people experience symptoms of anxiety and depression after trauma, and their symptoms subside as time passes. With PTSD, your symptoms often emerge weeks or even months after the event and increase in severity as time goes by, especially if you don’t seek treatment.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD causes four distinct categories of symptoms:

Intrusive thoughts

Flashbacks and nightmares are well-known PTSD symptoms. These intrusive thoughts are often so realistic that you feel like you’re reliving the trauma. You may also have repeated, involuntary thoughts and memories that cause distress and get in the way of your day-to-day life.

Avoidance behaviors

Going out of your way to avoid the places, people, and objects that remind you of your trauma is another common symptom of PTSD. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, you may change your route to work to avoid the site of your collision. However, avoidance behaviors can escalate and severely interfere with your life.

Negative thoughts

Following a trauma, you may be plagued with negative thoughts, including intense distrust of other people or prolonged feelings of anger, horror, or guilt. You may also lose interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities. These feelings can lead to estrangement from your friends and family.

Heightened reactions

PTSD can make you feel irritable or short-tempered. You may also feel nervous or have angry outbursts. In some cases, PTSD leads to self-destructive or reckless behaviors.

How is PTSD treated?

Alaa provides highly customized care for PTSD, combining therapies to help you resolve your thoughts, memories, and feelings and restore your quality of life. While medication helps control some of your symptoms, therapy is critical to helping you explore your thoughts and emotions and develop new strategies to cope with your memories.

If you suffer from PTSD symptoms, call My Psych Today or schedule a consultation online today to get the help you need.