PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel scary for those experiencing it and those around them. When left untreated, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can have devastating effects. That’s why the Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc. team in Atlanta, Georgia uses a proactive, modern approach to treating PTSD. To schedule an appointment with the psychiatry team, call the office or book a visit online today.

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety disorder where you experience debilitating fear long after a traumatic event. While a scary condition, PTSD is relatively common and be managed by working with a skilled professional.

Who is at risk of PTSD?

You’re at risk of PTSD if you’ve recently experienced or witnessed a terrifying or traumatizing event. The risk of developing PTSD increases if you have:

• A history of mental health issues
• Experienced trauma during childhood
• Lived through a traumatic experience (near-death experience, rape, etc.)
• Problems with substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol
• Seen a dead body

The Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc. team can help you learn healthy ways to respond to sudden fear when it arises.

What are common signs of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms vary from person to person, but many patients experience both emotional and physical symptoms, including:

• Feeling emotionally numb
• Avoiding people or places that remind you of the traumatic event
• Nightmares about the event
• Flashbacks to the event
• Memory problems
• Detachment from friends and family
• Risky behavior, such as drinking heavily or driving too fast
• Angry outbursts
• Irritability
• Extreme guilt
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling easily frightened or startled

The intensity of your PTSD symptoms can ebb and flow. Most people with PTSD notice their symptoms increase in severity during times of stress.

How is PTSD treated?

The team at Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc. offers a variety of PTSD treatments at their office, including:

Counseling

The team provides trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for those who have experienced severe trauma. This form of psychotherapy identifies and treats the cause of PTSD by changing dysfunctional behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. The team also encourages you to practice mindfulness, art therapy, and holistic therapy, focusing on proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy

TMS therapy is a medication-free treatment for depression and anxiety disorders that uses gentle magnetic pulses to activate certain parts of the brain that can relieve many of your PTSD symptoms noninvasively.

Medication

If you have PTSD, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication can help alleviate many of your symptoms, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and insomnia.

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms. Call or book online now to schedule an appointment with Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc.