Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that develops after the patient experiences a traumatic event. Michelle Zyla, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is highly-experienced in recognizing the signs of PTSD and accurately diagnosing this condition. She offers a variety of treatment options to help patients overcome symptoms and to take back control of their lives. For compassionate and effective PTSD care, call Minds In Balance Psychiatry in Peoria, Arizona, or request an appointment online today. Telehealth services are also available.
request an appointmentWhat is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental disorder that develops after you experience or witness a traumatic event, such as war, car accident, murder, or physical abuse. PTSD can continue to affect your life for many years after the trauma, interfering with your ability to live, work, and interact with others normally.
What causes PTSD?
Researchers don’t know why some people develop PTSD after a traumatic event, and others don’t. However, having certain risk factors may make PTSD more likely.
For example, if you have a family history of depression or anxiety, you’re at a higher risk of developing PTSD. Experiencing high levels of stress or multiple traumas can also increase your risk.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD vary considerably. Some of the most common symptoms of this disorder include:
- Unwanted, recurrent memories of the event
- Nightmares about the event
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Negative thoughts about yourself or the future
- Trouble with relationships
- Lack of interest in enjoyable activities
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
If you have PTSD, you might avoid places, people, or activities that remind you of the event.
What treatments are available for PTSD?
The goal of PTSD treatment is to help you overcome the symptoms associated with the disorder, avoid relapses, and improve your quality of life.
Your Minds In Balance Psychiatry provider can also help you treat other problems that you may have developed to mask the disorder and to cope with difficult emotions and memories, such as addictions to alcohol or drugs or self-harm*.
One of the most effective treatment options for patients with PTSD is psychotherapy, which focuses on helping you respond to triggers differently.
Patients with PTSD may also need medication to control anxiety and other symptoms. You may take medication on a long-term basis, or you may take it only when your symptoms are particularly severe.
If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Minds In Balance Psychiatry can help. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online now.
*If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency or there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.