Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate care to address its impact on daily life.
PTSD symptoms encompass various aspects of mental and emotional well-being, affecting how individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings.
Individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, such as repeated memories of the traumatic event, distressing dreams, or vivid flashbacks. These flashbacks can be so intense that individuals feel as though they are reliving the traumatic experience.
Avoidance behaviors are common among those with PTSD, as they may actively avoid reminders of the traumatic event. This avoidance can extend to people, places, activities, or objects that trigger distressing memories. Some individuals may try to suppress thoughts about the event or avoid discussing their feelings related to it.
PTSD often leads to alterations in cognition and mood. This can include negative beliefs about oneself or others, misplaced blame regarding the cause or consequences of the event, ongoing feelings of fear, anger, guilt, or shame, reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, feeling disconnected from others, or an inability to experience positive emotions.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms are also prevalent in PTSD cases. These symptoms may include irritability, anger outbursts, engaging in risky behaviors, hypervigilance or excessive suspicion of surroundings, heightened startle response, difficulty concentrating, or disrupted sleep patterns. Emotional dysregulation and variable appetite are commonplace.
Seeking support and treatment is paramount for individuals grappling with PTSD. While many may experience short-term challenges following a traumatic event, persistent or worsening symptoms that significantly disrupt daily functioning may indicate the presence of PTSD.
How can Delve help with PTSD?
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Medication Management
Our clinicians may prescribe medications to help manage depression, anxiety, and/or nightmares that may occur in PTSD patients.
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Psychotherapy
Our psychiatrists will work in tandem with our psychotherapy specialists to ensure that you receive the personalized care that you deserve.
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TMS Therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD by modulating neural activity in brain regions associated with mood regulation and fear processing. By targeting specific areas of the brain, TMS can reduce hyperarousal and improve emotional regulation in individuals with PTSD. This non-invasive treatment has shown promise in clinical studies, offering hope for those who have not responded to traditional therapies.
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Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine treatment can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD by rapidly acting on the brain's glutamate system, which is involved in mood and cognition. This treatment can reduce symptoms such as depression and anxiety in individuals with PTSD, often providing relief within hours. Ketamine's unique mechanism offers hope for those who have not found success with traditional therapies.
