Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment in New York and Massachusetts
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that is often seen in individuals who have been through a serious event or a period of traumatic experiences such as a natural disaster, abuse, automobile accident, war, and many others. This disorder typically causes low mood, avoidance of reminders, and even flashbacks or nightmares, all of which can make daily tasks or activities difficult if their PTSD remains unchecked and untreated.
It is important to highlight that while there are common symptoms that occur with PTSD as described below, each person’s trauma and response is uniquely their own.
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of PTSD in Massachusetts or New York, contact Stella Psychiatry today to schedule a virtual consultation. Give us a call at (617) 221-5040 or request an appointment through our secure online form.
The 4 Types of PTSD Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD most often appear in the first few months after a traumatic event, though it is also possible for these effects to remain dormant until years later.
There are four primary categories that symptoms of PTSD can fall into. These include:
- Intrusive thoughts: Involuntary memories of the traumatic event that forces the person to relive their experience. These may occur as conscious flashbacks, or during an unconscious state while the individual remains asleep.
- Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD often try to avoid situations that they believe will trigger a distressing memory of their past trauma. For example, a person who was involved in a bad car accident may try to avoid driving or riding in a car.
- Negative thoughts and feelings: These often pertain to the individuals themselves, as many believe that they are bad or broken in some way due to their recurring flashbacks that may result in harm to others around them.
- Changes in physical or emotional reactions: People with PTSD can be more reactive, having significant emotional and behavioral responses to certain stimuli around them.
Many individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder are also at risk to develop related psychiatric conditions, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and others.
Risk Factors to Consider
There is no way to know for certain whether or not a particular person will develop PTSD at some point in their life. However, there are a few known factors to be aware of that can increase an individual’s risk for developing this disorder, including:
- Added stress after a traumatic event
- Witnessing a traumatic event involving another person
- Feelings of helplessness or intense fear
- A history of mental illness or substance abuse
- Not having enough support from friends and/or loved ones after a traumatic event
The best way to combat these risk factors and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder is to seek help from those around you as soon as possible. Establishing healthy coping mechanisms can be done both before or after a dangerous event, and leaning on others for much-needed support is vital to overcoming symptoms of PTSD.
Treatment for PTSD in New York and Massachusetts
For those who experience more intense symptoms of PTSD that they are unable to manage and control on their own, Dr. Robertson is here to help. The most common methods used to treat PTSD include prescribed medications and psychotherapy.
Medications for PTSD Management
While medication cannot directly cure PTSD, it can certainly help to improve symptoms of the disorder. Medications can be used to reduce flashbacks and nightmares, improve mood and sleep quality, and decrease reactivity.
Types of Psychotherapy Used for PTSD
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy can be very beneficial in treating a wide range of mental illnesses. Many types of therapy can be helpful for PTSD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy. These approaches can help individuals examine and restructure their thoughts and beliefs around the experiences to gain more control over their emotional response to their trauma.
When To Seek Treatment for PTSD
If you continue to experience effects from a traumatic event, or have difficulty in regulating the intensity of your PTSD symptoms, please contact Stella Psychiatry right away to discover new ways to manage your fears or anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder is treatable, and you can overcome it using the proper tools and guidance.