PTSD Specialist

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The most common events that can lead to PTSD include:

• Exposure to combat
• Childhood abuse
• Sexual violence
• Physical assault
• Being threatened with a weapon
• Accidents
• Natural disasters

Other traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include robberies, muggings, crashes, and life-threatening medical diagnoses.

PTSD can affect children and adults. With the right self-care and time, PTSD can usually improve.

What causes PTSD?

Various factors can play a role in the development of PTSD, such as:

• Stressful experiences, including the severity and amount of trauma you've experienced in your life
• Family history of depression and anxiety (mental health risks)
• Inherited personality features (temperament)
• The way your brain regulates the chemicals and hormones released in response to stress

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Severe anxiety
• Uncontrollable thoughts about the event
• Upsetting nightmares and distressing memories
• Severe physical or emotional distress to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
• A feeling of detachment from friends and family
• Problems with memory, concentration, anger, irritability, and sleep
• Negative thoughts about other people, yourself, or the world in general

You might avoid talking or thinking about the traumatic event, and places, people, or activities that remind you of the event. You might feel hopeless about the future, emotionally numb, and have a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy.

You might also be easily frightened or startled, be on guard for danger, and engage in aggressive behavior or self-destructive behavior like drinking too much or driving too fast. More severe cases of PTSD might involve suicidal thoughts.

PTSD symptoms might start shortly after the traumatic event or years afterward.

How is PTSD treated?

To treat your PTSD, Dr. Buffington might recommend:

• Psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy)
• Medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety prescriptions
• Education on coping mechanisms and skills that can address your symptoms
• Support to help you have a better outlook about yourself, others around you, and the world

Dr. Buffington might suggest managing your stress and treating other problems often associated with traumatic experiences, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.

For compassionate quality support for PTSD, call Buffington Family Medicine to schedule an appointment.