What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Levittown & Garden City, NY?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental health disorder that can develop due to a traumatic event or traumatic period. The condition can cause intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, flashbacks, and anxiety.
Causes of PTSD
Several factors can cause PTSD. A traumatic event such as an assault, the death of someone close to you, experiencing an accident or natural disaster, or being involved in a war can lead to PTSD.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Signs and symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into various types including:
- Reliving the event through flashbacks, nightmares, and hallucinations
- Avoidance of people, places, or things that can remind you about the event
- Excessive arousal causes anger, rage, irritability, alertness, or concentration issues
- Intrusive and distressing thoughts or feelings
- Children with PTSD may have motor or language delays and slowed toilet training
Types of PTSD
There are three main types of PTSD:
- Simple PTSD, which is related to a single event and has caused no personality or mood changes
- Complex PTSD, which is related to ongoing traumatic events and can cause personality and mood changes
- Comorbid PTSD, which is accompanied by additional mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
Diagnosis of PTSD
Diagnosis of PTSD begins with a thorough physical examination to rule out an underlying condition that might be causing the symptoms. A psychological evaluation is also necessary to record signs and symptoms and the event that caused the trauma.
PTSD Treatment
Treatment for PTSD typically involves medication and counseling. Medications may be prescribed to reduce anxiety and tension and to improve sleep. Counseling can help with modifying thoughts and reactions associated with the trauma. Coping techniques can be taught to help manage signs and symptoms of PTSD.
Prevention of PTSD
There are several steps you can take to help prevent PTSD. You should:
- Talk with your family and friends about PTSD
- Live a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Practice stress management techniques
- Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
- Adopt a hobby to reduce anxiety and stress
How To Get Help
- Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or use Lifeline Chat
- If you are a veteran or service member, press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line or text 838255
- For Spanish language, call 1-888-628-9454
- Call your mental health provider