PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a severely traumatic event. If you are dealing with PTSD, you may be grappling with intense intrusive thoughts and emotions tied to the traumatic event. These feelings can linger long after the event, interfering with your daily life.
While many people recover with time and self-care following a traumatic event, in some cases, symptoms worsen. They can last for months or even years and disrupt your daily life.
At Kimball Health Services, we offer expert mental health services to manage PTSD and address your specific needs and conditions.
PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, regardless of age, gender, or background. About 6 in every 100 people in the U.S. develop PTSD at some point in their lives, with women being twice at risk of developing it.
PTSD can result from direct experiences of trauma or from learning about a traumatic event involving a friend or family member. Traumatic events that can cause PTSD include:
Not everyone who goes through a traumatic event develops PTSD. Some factors that increase the chances of developing PTSD include:
On the other hand, certain factors can help with resilience and reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD. These include:
PTSD symptoms often emerge within three months of the event but can appear later as well. They may last for months or years. These symptoms can vary in severity and fall into the following four main categories:
Re-experiencing symptoms can be triggered by thoughts, emotions, words, objects, or situations linked to the traumatic event. Symptoms may include:
Avoidance can lead to changes in your daily routines. Avoidance symptoms may include:
Arousal and reactivity symptoms result from changes in physical and emotional reactivity. These symptoms are often persistent and can disrupt daily activities. The symptoms may include:
Cognition and mood symptoms can lead to a sense of disconnection and emotional numbness. These symptoms worsen over time and may include:
PTSD can coincide with other conditions like depression, substance abuse, memory issues, and more.
Children with PTSD may struggle to express their feelings or have hidden trauma. They may appear restless, fidgety, or have trouble with attention and organization, which can be mistaken for ADHD. Consult a child psychologist or specialist for an accurate PTSD diagnosis for your child.
Younger children under six may:
Older children and teenagers often show symptoms similar to adults, including disruptive, disrespectful behavior, guilt, and thoughts of revenge.
To receive a PTSD diagnosis, you must display symptoms from each of the four symptom categories for at least one month, and these symptoms should significantly affect your daily life. The diagnostic process will involve:
There is no specific test for PTSD, and the diagnosis relies on comprehensive evaluations. At Kimball Health Services, our mental health professionals follow the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) from the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose PTSD.
PTSD treatment involves psychotherapy and medications, or sometimes a combination of both. Our mental health provider, Ron Strachan, APRN, will guide you toward the right treatment plan based on your symptoms and needs.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for PTSD. During psychotherapy sessions, our mental health expert will help you understand and resolve your difficult feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Different types of psychotherapy may be used for treating cases of PTSD, including:
We provide both individual therapy and family therapy sessions to ensure a comprehensive approach to healing. Family therapy can help loved ones better understand your experience and offer the support needed for recovery.
Some medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD and may help you participate more effectively in psychotherapy. Medications for treating PTSD include:
Our team will collaborate with you to find the most suitable medication with minimal side effects for your condition.
While not everyone with PTSD requires psychiatric treatment, it's crucial if you are facing severe psychological distress. Some people recover over time, while others benefit from support from their family and friends. The support of loved ones goes a long way in a patient’s healing journey.
If you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD, it's important to seek help. At Kimball Health Services, we offer comprehensive mental health services to address your specific mental health condition and needs.
In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. To schedule a consultation with our healthcare providers, please contact us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online.
