Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a serious condition that occurs after a trauma, such as a car accident. The experienced physicians at Psychiatric Wellness Center offer diagnosis and treatment to patients with the symptoms of PTSD in Bakersfield, California. Patients who think they may be suffering from PTSD should call the office to schedule an appointment.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a chronic mental health problem that usually occurs after the patient has been involved in a traumatic event. The severity of symptoms varies, ranging from mild symptoms that appear only occasionally to symptoms that interfere with the patient’s daily life.
What causes PTSD?
Many different types of traumatic events can cause PTSD. Some of the most common examples include:
- Time in the military, especially combat
- Car accidents
- Childhood abuse
- Sexual assault
- Threats of physical violence
- Physical assault
- Long-term emotional abuse
- Sustaining a serious injury
Some people are at a greater risk of developing PTSD than others. Some of the risk factors for PTSD include having other mental illnesses, lacking a support system, and having family members who have PTSD or other mental disorders.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD often begin within a month of the triggering event, but they can begin later as well. Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Avoidance of situations that remind the patient of the traumatic event
- Intrusive, unwanted memories of the traumatic event
- Trouble sleeping
- Personality or behavioral changes
- Mood disturbances
- Negative thoughts about the world
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms may be worse when the patient is stressed or reminded of the traumatic event.
How does Psychiatric Wellness Center diagnose PTSD?
The doctors at Psychiatric Wellness Center will begin the evaluation of each patient by performing a a psychological exam involving a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s mental status. They will diagnose the disorder based on the criteria contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
What treatments are available?
Most patients with PTSD will improve with proper treatment. Some of the treatment options available to patients with this disorder include:
- Medication – Certain prescription drugs, such as antidepressants or antianxiety medications, may help with the symptoms of PTSD.
- Psychotherapy – Certain types of psychotherapy may help people with PTSD. Cognitive therapy and exposure therapy are the most common therapies utilized.
When medications and therapy do not seem to be enough, Ketamine Infusion may be for you. Ketamine Infusion is a noninvasive procedure that stimulates the nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of PTSD and more.
At Psychiatric Wellness Center, our experienced psychiatrists and therapists can diagnose and provide you with effective treatment for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contact us today.
