What is PTSD?

What is PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is generally defined as a disorder originating from experiencing a dangerous or shocking event. Sometimes immediately and sometimes months later, a person will still experience trauma from the experience. What is most important to note is that Joel Kuppersmith Ph.D., our psychologist in Huntington, can help manage and potentially put an end to your PTSD.

What Are The Symptoms?

If you believe you or a loved one may be experiencing PTSD, some symptoms may include:

• Re-Experiencing Symptoms (at least 1)
  • Flashbacks – This includes having flashbacks to the event that may include symptoms such as sweating or a racing heart.
  • Bad dreams – You may experience nightmares that repeat back to the event.
  • Frightening thoughts – Constantly or occasionally thinking back about the details of your trauma.
• Avoidance Symptoms (at least 1)
  • Avoiding places that may remind you or take you back to the event.
  • Avoiding feelings that may trigger you and take you back to the traumatic event(s).
• Arousal Symptoms (at least 2)
  • Getting scared easily.
  • Constantly feeling on edge.
  • Having a hard time sleeping at night.
  • Experiencing angry outbursts.
• Cognition and Mood Symptoms (at least 2)
  • Trouble recalling key factors of the event.
  • Negative thoughts about the world.
  • Feelings of guilt.
  • Loss of interest in fun events.

In order to be diagnosed, you must experience these symptoms for at least one month.

Treatment

After a full evaluation, our psychologist in Huntington will decide what he thinks the best treatment plan is for you. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk” therapy, is usually a good treatment option for those who are suffering from PTSD. This form of treatment can help you rationalize what happened and help you have closure with the event. If you or a loved one are experiencing PTSD, do not hesitate to contact our psychologist in Huntington today!

Summary

Article Name

What is PTSD?

Description

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is generally defined as a disorder originating from experiencing a dangerous or shocking event. Sometimes immediately and sometimes months later, a person will still experience trauma from the experience.

Author

Joel Kuppersmith PHD