PTSD

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is treatable, not a sign of weakness.

Symptoms

Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders, emotional numbing, irritability, and sleep difficulty.

Combat, assault, accidents, disasters, childhood abuse. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.

Trauma-informed interviews, validated screening tools, and assessment for co-occurring depression and substance use.

Evidence-based therapies (CPT, prolonged exposure, EMDR), SSRIs, and building safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Symptoms can appear within weeks or be delayed by months or years.