PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT IN SAN DIEGO FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It’s commonly associated with people who have been in combat, but it can also affect those who have experienced other types of trauma, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as well as natural disasters.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. The symptoms of PTSD can be divided into four main categories: re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and hyperarousal.
CAUSES OF PTSD
PTSD is complex, and there’s no single cause of PTSD disorder. San Diego residents can develop it after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, or a threat to one’s physical integrity. Some potential causes of PTSD include:
- Military combat
- Sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Natural disasters
- Car accidents
- Sudden loss of a loved one
There are various risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. San Diego patients with this disorder may have risk factors such as a history of mental health issues, lack of social support, and past exposure to trauma.
SYMPTOMS OF PTSD
With PTSD, San Diego residents may experience some or all of these common symptoms:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
- Avoidance of activities, places, or thoughts that remind the individual of the trauma
- Negative thoughts and emotions, including guilt, shame, and fear
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Hypervigilance and feeling constantly on edge
- Irritability and angry outbursts
When they’re struggling with PTSD disorder, San Diego residents may experience a combination of these symptoms, which can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life.
Treatment
Fortunately, there are effective forms of PTSD treatment San Diego residents can seek to help them manage their symptoms and lead healthy, happy lives. These include:
Psychotherapy- Some specific types of therapy that may be helpful for patients with PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused therapy. When they engage in PTSD therapy, San Diego patients work with trained therapists to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to the traumatic events.
Medication- Medication can also be an important part of treating PTSD. San Diego patients with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbancesare among those who can benefit most from medications. Antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed for PTSD.
Support Groups- Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar situations. These groups can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging.If they’re working with mental health professionals who provide PTSD treatment, San Diegoresidents should ask their providers for suggestions about appropriate support groups.
Education and Self-Management Techniques- Education about PTSD and self-management techniques can also be beneficial for people with this disorder. In addition to benefiting from PTSD therapy, San Diegopatients who learn more about the condition and how to cope with symptoms can be empowered to take control of their own wellbeing.
Seeking Help- If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional with experience in PTSD treatment. San Diego residents should be aware that the symptoms of PTSD can worsen over time if left untreated, so early intervention is crucial.
At Sacred Psychiatric, your provider understands that everyone experiences trauma in their own way. Your Sacred Psychiatric provider will take a holistic approach to treatment, offer a safe space to process previous traumatic events, guide you toward healthy lifestyle changes, and offer medications for symptom management. Our expert team is committed to understanding and addressing PTSD symptoms effectively, promoting healing and resiliencethrough PTSD therapy San Diego residents can depend on.For a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for PTSD, contact Sacred Psychiatric at 619-251-2712.