Psychiatrist For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This event may pose a severe threat to your physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, and leads to distressing and intrusive thoughts, feelings, and reactions long after the event has occurred.

PTSD symptoms often include:

• Anxiety, depression, guilt, or shame.
• Flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
• Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma.

These symptoms can disrupt daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

What Is a Traumatic Event?

A traumatic event is anything that threatens your safety or sense of security. It can be a single occurrence, such as a car accident, or an ongoing experience, like abuse or living through war. Traumatic events don’t have to directly happen to you — witnessing or learning about a loved one’s trauma can also lead to PTSD.

Examples of traumatic events include:

• Serious accidents or injuries.
• Sudden or severe illness.
• War or military combat.
• Natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, or floods.
• Physical, verbal, or sexual abuse.
• Bullying or harassment.
• The unexpected death of a loved one.

Types of PTSD

• Acute Stress Disorder: A short-term condition occurring within the first month after trauma. If symptoms last longer than four weeks, it may develop into PTSD.
• Complex PTSD (CPTSD): A condition that arises from long-term or repeated trauma, such as prolonged abuse or war. Symptoms often include emotional regulation issues, difficulties with self-identity, and strained relationships.

How Common Is PTSD?

PTSD is relatively common, affecting 5% to 10% of people who experience trauma. Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of PTSD

To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must persist for more than a month and significantly disrupt daily life. These symptoms fall into four main categories:

Intrusion

• Recurring, involuntary memories of the traumatic event.
• Nightmares or vivid flashbacks that feel real.
• Intense emotional or physical distress when reminded of the trauma.

Avoidance

• Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
• Trying to suppress memories or thoughts about the event.
• Refusing to discuss the event or your feelings about it.

Changes in Thinking and Mood

• Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, anger, or shame.
• Memory gaps about key aspects of the trauma.
• Distorted thoughts about yourself or others, leading to blame.
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions or enjoying activities.
• Feeling isolated or detached from others.

Changes in Arousal and Reactivity

• Irritability and angry outbursts.
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
• Heightened alertness and hypervigilance.
• Easily startled or frightened.
• Sleep disturbances or trouble concentrating.

PTSD Symptoms in Children

Children with PTSD may have trouble expressing their feelings or understanding their trauma. Symptoms can include restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty concentrating, which may be mistaken for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s crucial to consult a child psychologist for proper diagnosis and care.

Complications of PTSD

PTSD can lead to or worsen other conditions, including:

• Mood and anxiety disorders.
• Neurological issues like dementia.
• Substance use disorders, including alcohol dependency.

People with PTSD also face an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate help.

What Causes PTSD?

Although trauma exposure is the primary cause, not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Factors that contribute to PTSD include:

• Neurotransmitter and Hormone Changes: Abnormal levels of stress-related chemicals, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, may heighten the “fight or flight” response.
• Brain Changes: Alterations in brain regions like the hippocampus (involved in memory) and amygdala (processing fear) are associated with PTSD.

Risk Factors for PTSD

PTSD is more likely to occur in people who have experienced:

• Military combat or sexual assault.
• Childhood trauma.
• Injury during the traumatic event.
• Ongoing fear, helplessness, or lack of support after the event.
• Long-term or repeated trauma.

Diagnosis and Tests

PTSD is diagnosed through a combination of interviews and assessments conducted by a healthcare provider. They may use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) criteria, which requires:

• At least one intrusion symptom.
• At least one avoidance symptom.
• At least two thinking and mood symptoms.
• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms.

A physical exam or blood tests may also rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Management and Treatment

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy is the cornerstone of PTSD treatment. Specific approaches include:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy: Helps reframe negative emotions and beliefs associated with trauma.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines guided eye movements with trauma recall to process and heal distressing memories.
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Involves gradual exposure to trauma-related stimuli in a controlled setting to reduce fear and anxiety.
• Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment for sharing experiences and coping strategies with others who have experienced similar trauma.

Medication

Although there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for PTSD, providers may prescribe:

• Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, to manage mood symptoms.
• Anti-anxiety medications for acute symptom relief.

Prevention

While you can’t prevent trauma, taking certain steps after a traumatic event may lower your risk of developing PTSD. These include:

• Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups.
• Developing healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness or exercise.
• Helping others affected by the event.

Outlook and Living With PTSD

With treatment, many people experience significant improvements in their symptoms. About 30% fully recover, while another 40% see substantial progress, though mild symptoms may persist. Without treatment, PTSD can lead to long-term difficulties, including strained relationships and diminished quality of life.

When To See A Psychiatrist For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

If you or a loved one is struggling with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—such as flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened anxiety—seeking help from a psychiatrist is crucial. Early and effective intervention can significantly improve quality of life. At PsychBright Health in Los Angeles, we specialize in offering personalized care to support your recovery. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward regaining control and finding peace.