Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder triggered by a terrifying event in which a person personally experiences or witnesses a situation that can result in the death or serious injury of the person or another person, often causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety after the event has ended.

When some people experience or witness a traumatic event they develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects people in several different ways, including:

• • Extreme physical reactions to reminders of the trauma
• • Flashbacks
• • Issues remembering important aspects of a tragic event
• • An intense feeling of distress when reminded of the trauma
• • Nightmares
• • Avoiding places, people, feelings, and things that remind you of the event

These are just some of the signs of PTSD. If you’re concerned that you are possibly experiencing PTSD, it may be a good idea to work with a therapist to find solutions.

What can I do?

PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication management, or a combination of these two treatments, or Ketamine therapy. At A Better Outlook Psychiatry & Addiction, we specialize in treatments focused on medications, but also provide talk therapy when appropriate and may refer you to one of our community partners if more intensive talk therapy is required or desired. We can also review the evidence surrounding alternative and complementary treatment options such as herbal supplements.

Your first step is contacting our office for a new patient evaluation, where our providers will not attempt to sell you on or force you to any one treatment. Think of your first appointment as an education on your diagnosis and the most up to date evidenced-based treatment options.