PTSD Q & A
Does everyone who experiences a traumatic event get PTSD?
Not necessarily. Most people who witness frightening or traumatic events have temporary problems coping but improve with time and self-care. If your symptoms continue, worsen, or last for more than a month, you might have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Having PTSD isn’t something to be ashamed of. Asking for help is the first step toward relief and better mental health.
What are the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms?
PTSD symptoms include:
- Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares
- Severe emotional distress
- Memory problems
- Negative thoughts about yourself and others
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling numb
These symptoms often manifest in your physical health. For example, you might suffer from insomnia or participate in self-destructive behavior, like drinking alcohol excessively, if you have PTSD.
Should I see a medical professional about PTSD?
Make an appointment at Diligence Care Plus if you’ve experienced a traumatic event and have disturbing thoughts or feelings lasting more than a month. That’s particularly true if your thoughts keep you from work or affect your relationships.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
Your provider asks about your symptoms and completes a physical exam and a psychological evaluation. They check for underlying medical problems that might cause your symptoms and ask you to answer questions about your thoughts and behavior.
Your provider compares your responses to the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 is considered the gold standard for diagnosing mental health conditions.
After confirming your diagnosis, your Diligence Care Plus provider recommends personalized treatment.
How is PTSD treated?
At Diligence Care Plus, your provider treats PTSD using a conservative, integrative approach. They might suggest:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Exposure therapy to help you safely face frightening situations or memories
- Prescription antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Prazosin, a medicine used to reduce or suppress nightmares
During treatment, your provider monitors your symptoms at routine checkups. At each visit, they adjust your treatment plan as necessary, ensuring you reduce side effects and improve your quality of life.
Call Diligence Care Plus today to explore treatment for PTSD, or book your appointment online.
