Understanding PTSD: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
PTSD is a treatable condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Learn about symptoms and treatment options.
What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. This includes combat, assault, accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or witnessing violence. PTSD affects approximately 6% of the U.S. population at some point in their lives.
PTSD Symptoms
Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories of the traumatic event. Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, activities, or thoughts that remind you of the trauma. Negative changes in thinking and mood: Distorted feelings of guilt or blame, loss of interest in activities, emotional numbness, difficulty experiencing positive emotions. Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling tense, difficulty sleeping, irritability, angry outbursts.
Treatment for PTSD
PTSD is treatable with a combination of medication and therapy. SSRI medications (sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD) can reduce symptoms. Prazosin may help with trauma-related nightmares. Trauma-focused therapy, including CPT, PE, and EMDR, is highly effective.
At RayMex Wellness, we provide trauma-informed psychiatric care and medication management for PTSD. Contact us at 617-419-0482.