WHAT IS Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include things like combat exposure, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents.
PTSD can cause a variety of distressing symptoms that can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in daily life. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:
Intrusive thoughts or memories related to the traumatic event, which can cause flashbacks or nightmares.
Avoidance of situations or activities that may trigger memories of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in mood or beliefs about oneself or the world, such as feelings of guilt or shame.
Hyperarousal or an increased state of anxiety, including difficulty sleeping, irritability, or being easily startled.
These symptoms can be severe and long-lasting, and can interfere with an individual's ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in everyday activities.
Treatment for PTSD typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Psychotherapies that are specifically designed for the treatment of PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE), have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for individuals with PTSD. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms of PTSD.
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Specialties
DEPRESSION AND SADNESS
ANXIETY, FEAR AND STRESS
MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP CONCERNS
INFIDELITY
DIVORCE
MAJOR LIFE CHANGES
DATING AND BREAKUPS
LONELINESS
GRIEF AND LOSS
CREATING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES IN RELATIONSHIPS
COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES
FORGIVENESS
ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING
ANGER, SHAME AND GUILT
CHRONIC PAIN
HEALTH ISSUES
SEXUAL OR PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION
COUNSELING FOR MEN