Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Psychiatrists in Silver Spring, MD
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder services offered in Silver Spring, MD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects your physical and mental well-being following a traumatic event. At Integrated Health Resources in Silver Spring, Maryland, we take a comprehensive and integrative approach to PTSD. Our team understands that PTSD affects everyone differently and benefits from individualized care. For personalized management of your PTSD, call the office or book your telemedicine appointment online today.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. Military personnel, first responders, and survivors of violence, accidents, or natural disasters are particularly at risk.
Trauma triggers the body’s stress response, causing fear and anxiety. Over time, these feelings typically lessen. However, in PTSD, the stress response remains overactive, leading to persistent fear, anxiety, and emotional distress even when no real danger is present. PTSD can affect individuals of all ages and is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders (SUD).
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms vary but generally fall into four main categories:
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Re-experiencing Symptoms – Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts that make past trauma feel real.
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Avoidance Symptoms – Avoiding people, places, or situations that serve as reminders of the trauma.
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Negative Thoughts or Moods – Difficulty remembering the event, feelings of guilt or shame, or a negative worldview.
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Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms – Increased irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping, or being easily startled.
Symptoms must persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life to meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.
What Happens During a PTSD Consultation?
A PTSD evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, emotional well-being, and personal history. This includes:
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Reviewing trauma history and its impact on daily life
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Assessing medical and mental health history
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Using standardized trauma assessments to confirm a diagnosis
Understanding each individual's experience allows for the development of a personalized treatment plan.
What Are the Treatments for PTSD?
PTSD is highly treatable through a combination of therapy, medication, and coping strategies. Trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), helps individuals process traumatic memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety prescriptions, may be used to manage symptoms. Lifestyle adjustments, including stress management, mindfulness, and support networks, also play a key role in recovery.
Get Help for PTSD Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, professional support can help. Contact Integrated Health Resources to schedule an appointment and explore effective treatment options.