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PTSD Q & A

How does PTSD develop?

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after an individual experiences a traumatic event or a series of events. 

It was once primarily associated with the struggles soldiers faced upon return from war zones and was often called “shell shock.” Today, practitioners understand that a wide range of experiences can lead to PTSD. 

Some examples of traumatic events that can cause PTSD include:

  • A car accident
  • Environmental disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes
  • Sexual assault
  • Childhood physical abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Being involved in a robbery or other crime
  • Receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis

Not everyone who experiences one or more of these issues will develop PTSD. For those struggling in the aftermath of a traumatic experience, help is available. 

What are indications that someone is experiencing PTSD?

Knowing the signs of PTSD helps you know when to seek treatment. Some symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Intrusive thoughts, memories, or dreams about the triggering event
  • Distorted thoughts like fear, anger, guilt, or shame
  • Going to great lengths to avoid situations that trigger upsetting thoughts
  • Outbursts of anger 
  • Being easily startled
  • Feeling detached from friends or family

If these changes begin to interfere with your daily routines and relationships, it’s time to seek professional help. 

Are there treatments that can help with PTSD?

There are many ways to treat PTSD. Many people find talk therapy a great help in learning how to identify and manage PTSD triggers, improve thought patterns, and manage anxiety. 

For others, medication is a good option and helps control some of the severe and disruptive symptoms of PTSD. Medication management is essential and ensures your drug therapy is working as intended. 

Some people who don’t achieve improvement through traditional methods may be good candidates for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive treatment uses strong magnets to change the nerve cells within your brain, altering how you respond to triggers. 

Treating PTSD is an ongoing process and one that benefits from partnership with a skilled and compassionate mental health practitioner, like the team members at MIU Center. Learn more during a one-on-one consultation. Schedule a visit online or by phone at your earliest convenience.