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PTSD
Mental Healthcare Professionals
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms & Treatment
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatizing event. PTSD symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. PTSD treatment typically includes therapy and medication.
How common is PTSD?
PTSD is relatively common, affecting about 3.5% of adults in the United States. Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD, and people who have experienced childhood trauma are also at increased risk.
What causes PTSD?
PTSD can be caused by exposure to a single event or multiple events. The most common triggers are personal assaults, such as sexual assault or robbery; natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes; and man-made disasters, such as car accidents or terrorist attacks.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms can be divided into four main categories: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Intrusive thoughts are recurrent, unwanted memories of the trauma. They can come in the form of flashbacks, which are vivid re-experiences of the event, or nightmares, which are disturbing dreams that may be based on the event.
Avoidance refers to both avoiding thoughts and memories of the trauma, and avoiding people or places that remind you of the event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood can include feeling hopeless, negative, or distorted views of yourself or the world. You may also experience memory problems, trouble concentrating, or feel detached from others.
Changes in physical and emotional reactions can include being easily startled, feeling on edge, sleep problems, irritability, and outbursts of anger.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. PTSD treatment can be very effective in reducing symptoms and helping people to manage their reactions to triggers. PTSD treatment typically includes therapy and medication.
Contact Nickischer & Associates to learn more about PTSD and how we can help you or your loved one.
