PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after you experience a traumatic event that threatens your personal safety. 

For example, PTSD might emerge if you live through a natural disaster, personal assault, active shooter situation, or military combat. 

Most people who have a traumatic experience have mental and emotional health symptoms. However, these symptoms usually fade over time, while PTSD symptoms tend to emerge later and worsen as time passes. 

PTSD symptoms can become extremely disruptive and interfere with your ability to function at work and at home.

What are the signs of PTSD?

PTSD causes four distinct types of symptoms: intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative thoughts and feelings, and arousal and reactive symptoms. 

Intrusive thoughts

Flashbacks and nightmares are the most well-known types of PTSD-related intrusive thoughts. These memories are often so vivid and realistic that you feel like you’re reliving the event. You might also have persistent and distressing memories that disrupt your day-to-day life.

Avoidance behaviors

Many patients with PTSD go out of their way to avoid people or places that trigger their memories. For example, you might take an alternative route to work to avoid the intersection where you had a dangerous traffic accident, or you might want to stay away from the people who were with you during a traumatic event. Eventually, these avoidance behaviors can get in the way of your ability to function normally.

Negative thoughts and feelings

You might also have negative beliefs or feelings that can lead to distorted thoughts and behaviors. For example, you might develop a deep distrust of other people or have persistent feelings of guilt. It’s also common to lose interest in previously enjoyed activities or pull away from friends or family.

Arousal and reactive symptoms

Increased irritability and angry outbursts are common symptoms of PTSD. You might also have symptoms of anxiety or engage in reckless or self-destructive behaviors. Many patients are easily startled and develop sleep problems. 

How is PTSD treated?

Dr. Amiri provides personalized treatments to relieve your symptoms and help you learn to cope with your memories and experiences. She often combines medication with counseling. 

Dr. Amiri uses state-of-the-art pharmacogenomics (gene testing) to help identify the medication that is likely to provide the best results. While medicine eases your symptoms, you can direct your energy toward exploring and resolving your thoughts and emotions about your trauma in your therapy sessions. 

You can have medication follow-ups and psychotherapy appointments either in the office or via telemedicine.

Call the offices of Dr. Rod Amiri or request a PTSD evaluation online today.