PTSD Specialist

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that emerges after you live through trauma, such as personal assault, domestic abuse, active shooter situations, and military combat. While around 70% of Americans experience trauma at some point during their lives, only a fraction of them develop PTSD.

It’s normal to feel anxious, depressed, or have other abnormal emotions after trauma. In most cases, these feelings subside as time passes. However, if you develop PTSD, your symptoms might not emerge right away, and instead of getting better, they become more severe over time. Fortunately, with treatment, PTSD is manageable, and you can restore your quality of life.

What are the signs of PTSD?

PTSD causes four distinct types of symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative thoughts, and heightened arousal.

Intrusive memories

Flashbacks and nightmares are perhaps the most well-recognized symptoms of PTSD. Your memories and nightmares are often so realistic that you feel like you’re reliving the trauma. You may have specific triggers for your flashbacks, or they may strike out of nowhere. 

Avoidance behavior

If you know that a person or place triggers your memories, it may feel like a rational response to avoid them. However, when untreated, avoidance behaviors often become more severe and more restrictive and can eventually interfere with your day-to-day activities. 

Negative thoughts

You might be plagued by negative thoughts about yourself or others. For example, you might feel like you’re bad or deserved what happened, or you might have a deep distrust of others. You might live with pervasive fear, horror, or guilt. It’s also common to lose interest in previously enjoyed activities or become estranged from friends and family.

Heightened arousal

With PTSD, you might find that you’re easily startled or prone to angry outbursts. You might also develop problems sleeping or concentrating. Many patients start to engage in reckless or self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse. 

How is PTSD treated?

At Wyckoff Wellness Center, Dr. Gentile creates personalized treatment plans to help you recover from and cope with PTSD. Your treatment plan may include psychopharmacology and therapy. He may also recommend meditation, dietary changes, and increased physical activity. 

He works with you to help you explore and resolve your feelings while also learning strategies to cope with your negative thoughts and behaviors. 

Call Wyckoff Wellness Center or make an appointment online today for personalized treatment for PTSD.