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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that people may develop after a traumatic event or series of events. It’s common among individuals who have served or are serving in the military. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, our trauma therapists help those with PTSD and their loved ones learn how to live with and manage the condition. Our patients will learn their triggers and how to manage them. Through trauma therapy and other solutions, you can start to heal.
There are a variety of treatment options available for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. Medications, such as antidepressants, can help soothe symptoms, and many mainstream facilities recommend talk therapy. The first step to treatment is understanding triggers and helping to minimize and cope with them. Our team’s recommended PTSD treatment methods may include medication, TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), ketamine therapy, or a combination of both. These methods are widely beneficial and safely and adequately reduce symptoms in most patients. No matter which treatment method you choose, we are here to help you.
Anyone can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. It can develop immediately after a traumatic event or may not present until years later. Common causes of PTSD include:
Car accident
Death of a loved one
Domestic abuse
Natural disaster
Military combat
Symptoms of PTSD can vary and may come and go over time. Common symptoms include:
Avoiding places or events that bring back memories or feelings of the traumatic event
Getting startled easily
Difficulty sleeping
Angry outbursts
Trouble remembering the event
Flashbacks or bad dreams of the event
Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, but several factors may increase the likelihood of developing it. Risk factors for PTSD include:
History of childhood abuse:
Early exposure to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can increase vulnerability to PTSD
Repeated exposure to trauma:
Ongoing stress from dangerous environments or abusive relationships
Pre-existing mental health conditions:
Conditions like anxiety or depression that can make it harder to cope with trauma
Severe or prolonged trauma:
Extended exposure to or intense traumatic events that affect emotional processing
Experiencing or witnessing trauma:
Physical assault, accidents, combat, or natural disasters can trigger PTSD
Lack of social support:
Limited access to emotional support or isolation after trauma
High-risk professions:
Individuals in military, first responder, or healthcare roles are more likely to encounter trauma
Substance abuse:
Alcohol or drug use that impairs emotional coping mechanisms
Brain chemistry imbalances:
Alterations in stress hormone regulation that influence emotional responses
Family history of mental illness:
A genetic predisposition to anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders that can increase the risk of PTSD
PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by one of our board-certified psychiatrists. The diagnostic process typically involves a clinical interview to discuss symptoms, history, and experiences related to the
traumatic event. We may use standardized self-report questionnaires to assess the severity and frequency of symptoms and evaluate any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Serenity Mental Health Centers is here to help those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Our team offers a range of treatment methods, from prescription medications to transcranial magnetic stimulation and more. Having PTSD can be scary for the individual and their family, but with the help of our professionals, you don’t have to go through it alone. We are here to help guide you and you family through the diagnosis, treatment, and management of PTSD.
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