PTSD
We are licensed in Texas, New York, California, Washington, New Mexico, and Iowa, offering virtual appointments for PTSD care across these states.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, or simply looking to enhance your understanding of this mental health condition, we aim to empower you with knowledge.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Trauma-inducing incidents can range from life-threatening situations, physical harm, or emotional distress. While many people may experience stress reactions after trauma, not everyone develops PTSD. Understanding the key features of this disorder is crucial for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate help.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it’s natural to feel fear or distress immediately after a trauma, PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for months or years and interfere with your quality of life.
Originally recognized in military veterans, PTSD is now known to affect people from all walks of life. Traumatic events that may lead to PTSD include:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents or injuries
- Combat exposure
- Mass violence or shootings
- Sudden loss of a loved one
PTSD involves a range of symptoms that may emerge shortly after the event or develop gradually over time.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms typically fall into four main categories. Not everyone experiences all of them, and severity can vary greatly from person to person.
1. Intrusive Thoughts
- Recurring and distressing memories or nightmares
- Flashbacks that feel like you’re reliving the event
- Emotional or physical reactions to triggers
2. Avoidance Behaviors
- Avoiding places, people, or activities that are reminders of the trauma
- Refusing to talk or think about the event
3. Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Emotional numbness or disconnection from others
- Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or the world
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
- Being easily startled or always on edge
- Sleep difficulties or insomnia
- Angry outbursts or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms can make it difficult to function at work, maintain relationships, or feel safe in daily life
How We Diagnose PTSD
We take a trauma-informed approach to diagnosing PTSD, starting with a private clinical evaluation and a review of your mental health history. You’ll also complete a structured PTSD questionnaire designed to identify key symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, mood shifts, and hyperarousal. Combined with a detailed interview, this helps us make an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan that supports your recovery.
GeneSight Testing for PTSD
For individuals with PTSD, finding the right medication can be challenging. GeneSight testing helps by analyzing how your genes may affect your response to psychiatric medications. This information allows us to choose treatments that are more likely to work for you and cause fewer side effects.
GeneSight can support a more targeted and effective approach to managing PTSD symptoms.
How We Treat PTSD
At Polished Mind Psychiatry, we take a compassionate and collaborative approach to trauma care. Your treatment begins with a comprehensive virtual assessment to understand your history, symptoms, and personal needs.
Your customized PTSD treatment plan may include:
- Medication management to help reduce anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
- Evidence-based therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help you reframe traumatic thoughts and develop healthy coping skills
- Psychoeducation and support to help you understand your condition and track progress
- Lifestyle recommendations to promote stability and emotional regulation
We recognize that every person’s journey with PTSD is different. Our goal is to help you reclaim a sense of safety, confidence, and emotional balance. If you or someone you care about is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, early support can make a life-changing difference. Our experienced team is here to listen without judgment and to guide you toward long-term recovery.