PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after you experience, witness, or learn of an event involving serious injury, death, or the threat of death. If you're experiencing distressing symptoms related to PTSD, the team at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group in Fairfax, Virginia, can help. They offer compassionate mental health care to ensure that you get the support you need. To schedule an appointment for PTSD, call the office or book one online today. 

What is PTSD?

It’s not uncommon to have difficulty coping or adjusting after going through a traumatic event. You may feel anxious and have a strong desire to avoid people or places that remind you of the trauma, or you may experience nightmares. However, with good support and self-care, most people can recover from their traumatic experiences and eventually feel better.

With PTSD, your symptoms may not get betterby themselves and can interfere with your ability to manage your day-to-day responsibilities. 

PTSD affects people of all ages. However, you may be at greater risk of developing the mental health condition if the trauma is ongoing, occurred during childhood, or you have an underlying mental health issue such as anxiety or depression.

What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?

Signs and symptoms of PTSD usually develop within three months of the traumatic event. However, it’s not unusual for symptoms to develop years later.

PTSD symptoms are grouped into types, which include:

• Re-experiencing symptoms (flashbacks and nightmares)
• Avoidance symptoms (avoiding people or activities that remind you of the trauma)
• Arousal and reactivity symptoms (being easily startled or quick to anger)
• Cognition symptoms (difficulty remembering details of the event)
• Mood symptoms (feelings of guilt or shame, negative view of yourself or the world)

To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must experience one symptom from each type for at least a month, and the symptoms must be so severe they affect your daily life. 

How is PTSD treated?

PTSD affects everyone differently, and no single treatment works for all. Your Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group provider begins by reviewing your symptoms, health history, and family health history. 

If your provider determines you have PTSD, your treatment plan may include:

Medications

Antidepressants are the most common type of medication prescribed for people with PTSD. Antidepressants improve feelings of sadness and anger.

You may also benefit from other medications to manage sleep and nightmares, such as anti-anxiety medications.

Psychotherapy

There are many types of psychotherapy that benefit people with PTSD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). 

To schedule an appointment, contact Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group by phone or book one online today.