PTSD

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as the following:

• Serious accident
• Natural disaster
• Assault
• War
• Any situation that causes intense fear, shock, or helplessness

PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and can develop soon after the traumatic event or years later. The condition interferes with daily life, impacting work, relationships, and overall well-being.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

At Barbosa Psychiatry, your mental health professional performs a series of assessments, including interviews and questionnaires, to understand symptoms and their impact on your life. For a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must be present for at least one month and cause significant distress or impairment in social or occupational areas. 

Your practitioner uses criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which outlines specific symptoms across four main categories: intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in thinking and mood, and heightened arousal or reactivity.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, but not everyone who encounters trauma will develop PTSD. Factors contributing to the mental health condition include:

• Severity and duration of the trauma
• Personal or family history of mental health issues
• Lack of support
• Previous experiences of trauma

Biological responses, like heightened stress hormone levels, may also play a role in increasing susceptibility to PTSD.

What are the signs of PTSD?

Signs of PTSD vary but generally include:

• Intrusive thoughts like flashbacks or nightmares related to the trauma
• Avoidance behaviors (avoiding places, activities, or people that are reminders of the trauma)
• Negative changes in mood and thoughts, such as feeling hopeless, numb, or having difficulty remembering key aspects of the traumatic event
• Heightened arousal, which includes being easily startled, feeling tense or "on edge," irritability, and trouble sleeping

Book an appointment at Barbosa Psychiatry if you or a loved one show signs of PTSD. Dr. Barbosa offers compassionate care and effective treatment.

How is PTSD treated?

Barbosa Psychiatry’s PTSD treatments often include a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially trauma-focused CBT, and exposure therapy are highly effective. Medications like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, paroxetine) can also help manage symptoms.

Treatment can help you:

• Process the trauma
• Reduce symptoms
• Improve functioning
• Enhance coping mechanisms

Learn more about PTSD and treatment by calling Barbosa Psychiatry or using the online booking feature today.