Traumatic events are unpredictable, so there is no particular way of preparing for them. While some people get through it successfully, others may have lingering emotional effects that interfere with their quality of life. If you suspect you have symptoms of PTSD disorder, you can trust your Park Slope forensic and addiction psychiatrist to alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life.
An overview of post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a disorder that may occur after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying ordeal. The basic human being imperative is a fight or flight response designed to keep them out of harm’s way. During a dangerous or traumatic event, this instinct may leave behind residual effects that may resolve themselves over time. However, some people may continue experiencing the residual effects long after the painful event, and medical intervention is paramount in such cases. If you have difficulty adjusting and coping after a traumatic event, or your symptoms worsen over the years, talk to Dr. Salvage to determine the way forward.
Symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder
You may begin experiencing PTSD symptoms A month after the traumatizing event, but in some cases, the symptoms may not manifest until several years later. These symptoms can significantly affect several aspects of your life, including work and social relationships and your performance at school. There are four categories of PTSD symptoms: changes in emotional reactions, intrusive memories, changes in mood and thinking, and avoidance. Symptoms of intrusive memories include relieving the traumatic event and severe emotional distress, while those of avoidance include avoiding activities or places that remind you of the painful ordeal. Your symptoms may vary in intensity and frequency over time. Talk to your provider or a mental health specialist if you have depressing feelings or thoughts about the traumatic event for longer than a month. If you experience suicidal thoughts, talk to a loved one or a close friend.
PTSD diagnostic techniques
During your initial appointment, Dr. Salvage may discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam to identify the root cause of your mental disorder. He may also perform a psychological evaluation involving discussing the traumatic event that led to your symptoms.
Available treatments for PTSD
After diagnosis, your provider may educate you about the available treatments before developing an individualized treatment plan. The treatments focus on helping restore your quality of life. Your provider may recommend psychotherapy which involves cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Salvage may also teach stress management skills to help you cope with stressful situations better and prevent the recurrence of PTSD. You can also consult your doctor about whether you can do group therapy, individual therapy, or both. Your doctor may also prescribe medications like antidepressants to improve your sleep quality and concentration levels, anti-anxiety medications for severe anxiety, and prazosin to suppress nightmares related to PTSD. Your provider works closely with you to identify the most effective medicines with minimal side effects.
If you are struggling with PTSD symptoms, call Dr. Salvage or use the online scheduling button to create an appointment today.
