PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, usually referred to as PTSD, is a mental health condition characterized by severe anxiety, flashbacks, and disruptive emotions following a traumatic experience. 

Once known as “shell shock” and “combat fatigue,” PTSD was first identified in veterans after World War II. While it is often identified with combat experience, PTSD can arise from many types of trauma, such as:

• Violent physical assault
• Sexual assault
• Domestic violence
• Witnessing violent or traumatic acts
• Discovering the body of a loved one
• Disasters such as fire or earthquakes
• Automobile accidents
• Life-threatening experiences

PTSD occurs in people of all ages, and women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Most people who experience a traumatic event will have feelings of fear, anger, and other negative emotions for a while. When these feelings don’t go away after a reasonable amount of time or become worse, it may indicate the presence of PTSD.

PTSD can cause a wide range of symptoms that are different for each individual patient. Symptoms common in many cases of PTSD include:

• Intrusive thoughts 
• Vivid, involuntary memories or flashbacks
• Distressing dreams
• Angry outbursts
• Easy startle response
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, such as people or places
• Negative thoughts and feelings about yourself and others

PTSD triggers a flight or fight response, which can cause physical symptoms like increased blood pressure or heart rate. Over time this can affect your physical health.

What is the treatment for PTSD?

The caring, experienced providers at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates design customized treatment plans to address your individual needs. Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Psychotherapy or counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Antidepressant and/or anti-anxiety medications 
• Nutritional and lifestyle changes