Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosis given to people who have symptoms after an identifiable stress. Symptoms can include nightmares, startle, and severe anxiety. Lately there has also been much discussion of complex PTSD, a slightly different form of PTSD.  If you have PTSD symptoms, contact Damon G. LaBarbera, PhD, at Rockville Centre, New York. Dr. LaBarbera also offers telehealth services from Rockville Centre and Union City, New Jersey. Call or book an appointment online to begin the process of healing.

What is PTSD?

PTSD can develop after a terrifying, disturbing, or life-threatening experience.  The concept is somewhat overused these days. Not everyone can be traumatized. But for those who have been in combat or sexually abused, the diagnosis is very real.  

• Assault and rape
• Floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters
•  Physical or sexual abuse
• Severe road accidents
• Suicide of a parent or child
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Multiple milder trauma
• combat or torture

PTSD was first identified in soldiers returning from war and, in previous eras, given various names, such as shell shock. But day-to-day life can also produce trauma, including natural disasters, accidents where people surely expect to die, assault and ongoing physical and sexual abuse. The term can be overused, of course, and one aspect of an evaluation is to see if the person is over-reporting symptoms, for litigation purposes. 

What symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms--and the diagnosis can range from very mild to severe-- include autonomic arousal, avoidance of negative thoughts, attempts to manage stress in unhealthy ways, altered social patterns, and re-experiencing the traumatic event.

Such individuals may experience unpleasant emotions such as sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, and detachment. Autonomic Arousal may include constant tension, difficulty relaxing, feeling dissociated or numbed, and enhanced startle reflex. Intrusive thoughts include recurring thoughts, memories, or nightmares focused on your trauma.

People with PTSD may seem irritable and quick to anger. If feelings become too painful, they might to overuse alcohol or engage in risky distracting activities. 

Avoidance behaviors are common with PTSD. The person may try to suppress the memories by refusing to talk about the trauma and avoiding anything that might prompt or trigger a memory or flashback.

How is PTSD treated?

PTSD treatment includes psychotherapy, learning relaxation techniques, processing traumatic memories, and regulating emotions. Treatment has come a long way in recent decades, and relief is more possible than ever before.

You can improve mental health by talking about the event(s), but you might find it hard to open up to family and friends about your trauma. You might not want them to know the harrowing details, or you may fear they won’t understand.

Psychotherapy provides a comfortable environment where you and Dr. LaBarbera can discuss your experience and its effects. He helps you deal with emotions and memories and offers practical advice on managing the daily problems PTSD can cause.

Call Damon G. LaBarbera, PhD, today or book an appointment online for authoritative help managing PTSD.