Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that is often seen in individuals who have been through a serious event such as a natural disaster, automobile accident, or war. This disorder typically causes vivid flashbacks or nightmares to the time and place where the person’s trauma occurred, which can make daily tasks or activities difficult if their PTSD remains unchecked and untreated.
Our expert mental health providers offer online therapy for PTSD treatment. Request an appointment online today using our secure form.
The 4 Types of PTSD Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD most often appear in the first few months after a traumatic event, though it is also possible for these effects to remain dormant until years later. There is no telling what exactly will trigger a person’s symptoms, as each individual with PTSD is uniquely different.
There are four primary categories that symptoms of PTSD can fall into. These include:
Intrusive Thoughts
Avoidance
Negative Thoughts and Feelings
Changes in Physical or Emotional Reactions
Characteristics that define a diagnosis of PTSD include presenting symptoms as mentioned above for longer than one month’s time. Many individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder will also develop related psychiatric conditions, such as acute stress disorder, anxiety disorders, reactive attachment disorder, an adjustment disorder, or disinhibited social engagement disorder.
Risk Factors to Consider
There is no way to know for certain whether or not a particular person will develop PTSD at some point in their life. However, there are a few known factors to be aware of that can increase an individual’s risk for developing this disorder, including:
- Added stress after a traumatic event
- Witnessing a traumatic event involving another person
- Feelings of helplessness or intense fear
- A history of mental illness or substance abuse
- Not having enough support from friends and/or loved ones after a traumatic event
The best way to combat these risk factors and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder is to seek help from those around you as soon as possible. Establishing healthy coping mechanisms can be done both before or after a dangerous event, and leaning on others for much-needed support is vital to overcoming symptoms of PTSD.
Virtual Treatment for PTSD in CT, FL & MA
For those who experience more intense symptoms of PTSD that they are unable to manage and control on their own, Advanced TelePsych, PLLC is here to help. The most common methods used universally to treat PTSD include prescribed medications and psychotherapy.
Types of Psychotherapy Used for PTSD
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy can be very beneficial in treating a wide range of mental illnesses. This therapeutic technique includes many subcategorizations that are each designed to address a patient’s needs in different ways. For those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring are typically regarded as the most effective methods used by mental health professionals.
Exposure Therapy
As its name would suggest, this form of psychotherapy is based on exposing the individual to their fears in order to relive the event in a safe environment that will not cause them any kind of harm. After experiencing the event in a safe and controlled space, many patients are able to realize that their avoided situations are not likely to cause a dangerous outcome, which can allow them to begin immersing themselves in previously enjoyed activities once again.
Cognitive Restructuring
It is common for individuals with PTSD to remember the event in a more serious and dramatic way than how it actually occurred. This can lead to feelings of shame or guilt that the trauma was the person’s own fault, even though this is often untrue. Cognitive restructuring focuses on reliving the event in a more realistic way that strips away the intense emotions around the trauma and leaves the patient feeling much more relaxed with their memories.
Medications for PTSD Management
While medication cannot cure PTSD, it can certainly help to improve symptoms of the disorder. As previously noted, individuals with PTSD often experience sudden mood changes that can leave them feeling hopelessly sad or incredibly angry. Problems with sleep are also extremely common, and can also be managed using different types of medication as prescribed by your doctor.
When To Seek Virtual Treatment for PTSD
If you continue to experience effects from a traumatic event, or have difficulty in regulating the intensity of your PTSD symptoms, please contact Advanced TelePsych, PLLC right away at 888-344-3893 to discover new ways to manage your fears or anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder is treatable, and you can overcome it using the proper tools and guidance.
