PTSD

About six in 100 Americans develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime. If you struggle with constant fear, flashbacks, or nightmares caused by PTSD, turn to Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas. Its compassionate mental health specialists screen for and treat PTSD to ease unpleasant symptoms and help you flourish. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition that develops in some people after experiencing a traumatic event. It’s caused by terrifying or very stressful situations, whether you’re directly affected by the situation or witness it. While mild cases of PTSD may not bother you as much, severe PTSD can become crippling when left untreated.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

The following symptoms may indicate PTSD:

• Always being on guard
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Uncontrollable thoughts
• Intrusive memories
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Negative thoughts
• Emotional distress
• Avoiding people, places, things, or events that trigger symptoms
• Shame, anger, guilt, or fear
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feeling detached from loved ones
• Memory loss surrounding a traumatic event
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Getting frightened or startled easily
• Substance misuse
• Fast heart rate, rapid breathing, shaking, or sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia 

If your symptoms don’t resolve, are severe, or negatively affect your quality of life, see the Alamo Premier Mental Health experts for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan. 

Which events may contribute to PTSD?

Events that may contribute to PTSD include:

• Loss of a loved one
• Car accidents
• Being a victim of or witnessing violence
• Being a first responder
• Military combat
• Natural disasters
• Childhood neglect
• Mental, physical, or sexual abuse
• Being in a fire
• Kidnappings
• Serious injuries
• Life-threatening events
• Lack of a strong social support network

You might also be at risk of anxiety disorders, depression, or substance use disorder (SUD) because of past trauma.  

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Diagnosing PTSD at Alamo Premier Mental Health requires a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria and often DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) to uncover the medication that is best suited for your genetic makeup. Your provider asks about past trauma and your emotions, thoughts, moods, behaviors, and lifestyle. 

They also discuss your mental health history, preferences, and goals to determine how to best treat your condition. 

How is PTSD treated?

Treating PTSD may involve one or more of the following:

• Healthy lifestyle modifications
• Stress management (meditation, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, massage, etc.)
• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy 
• Trauma-focused therapy 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Group therapy
• Other types of therapy

It’s helpful to follow up with your Alamo Premier Mental Health provider routinely to ensure superior mental health outcomes. You can meet with them in person or via convenient telehealth to help you overcome debilitating PTSD symptoms.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth PTSD evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.