PTSD

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder triggered by a traumatic experience. Physicians initially recognized PTSD during the First World War, when soldiers returned from the trenches with what they called “shell shock.” 

Today, psychiatrists and other mental health providers know that trauma takes many forms. Everyone responds to trauma differently, and someone might develop PTSD after experiencing a personal assault, childhood abuse, or a natural disaster. 

Many people experience emotional and behavioral disturbances after a trauma, and these feelings and behaviors fade as time passes. PTSD, on the other hand, does not emerge right away and can become more disruptive over time.

What are the signs of PTSD?

PTSD causes four distinct categories of symptoms: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative thoughts and feelings, and heightened reactive symptoms. 

Intrusive thoughts

Flashbacks and nightmares are the most well-known, but misunderstood, intrusive thoughts that occur with PTSD. Your memories of the event are often so vivid and realistic that you feel like you are reliving the event itself.

Avoidance

Many patients with PTSD go out of their way to avoid people, places, and other things that trigger their memories. When left untreated, avoidance behaviors can be extremely disruptive to your life and ability to function at home or work.

Negative thoughts and feelings

You might also experience intrusive negative thoughts or emotions. For example, you might feel distrustful of other people fearing they are “bad.” You might also have extreme feelings of shame, guilt, or anger. 

Heightened reactivity symptoms

PTSD can also cause heightened emotional states. You might become irritable and prone to angry outbursts. Some patients begin to behave recklessly or turn to substance abuse to numb their feelings and memories. 

How is PTSD treated?

At Bluebird Psychiatry, the team partners with you and your therapist to target your trauma symptoms. Following your initial evaluation, your provider might prescribe medication to relieve or reduce your symptoms. Then you work with your provider and your therapist to address the underlying condition.

Depending on your needs, we might focus on treating symptoms of depression anxiety or addressing sleep disturbances. You and your mental health team can also work on therapeutic techniques to reduce your avoidance behaviors or attempts to self-medicate and numb your symptoms. 

If you have PTSD symptoms, call Bluebird Psychiatry for expert diagnosis and treatment.