PTSD

When the impact of trauma persists

PTSD may be reflected in intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and a persistent sense of being “on edge.” Some people recognize PTSD right away; others may not understand what is happening to them for months or years. Chronic irritability, emotional numbing, panic-like symptoms, relationship strain or the inability to relax take their toll.

Trauma can and often does overlap with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even bipolar symptoms. Chronic PTSD may be confused with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Individuals struggling with PTSD benefit from sleep stabilization, anxiety reduction, mood symptom relief, and a reduction in autonomic nervous system (fight/flight/freeze) drive before they can fully engage in trauma-focused therapy–therapy is one of the most powerful tools for navigating PTSD, but it may not feel safe prior to medicine to dial acute symptoms back somewhat.

PTSD Symptom Common Signs Everyday
Intrusive memories Unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks Waking in panic, memories suddenly in one’s mind
Avoidance Avoiding reminders of the event Avoiding places, people; staying “busy” to avoid downtime and thinking
Hypervigilance and reactivity On edge, easily startled, irritability Snappy, irritable; always on edge, distressed in crowds,
Mood and thinking changes guilt/shame, numbness, detachment Loss of interest, low mood, low motivation, shortened sense of future, disconnected from people or events, “not able to relate”
Sleep and concentration Insomnia, restless sleep, brain fog Difficulties with falling or staying asleep, tired, nightmares, poor focus

Consider seeking help with PTSD if you notice:

  • Persistent sleep disturbance, nightmares, or insomnia
  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or unwanted mental images
  • Avoidance of reminders (places,conversations, situations, sensations)
  • Hypervigilance (scanning, startle response, always feeling “on guard”)
  • Irritability, anger outbursts, or emotional shutdown/numbing
  • Anxiety, panic, or physical stress symptoms that don’t fully resolve
  • Depression, hopelessness, or a loss of interest after a traumatic event
  • Increased substance use to “turn off” thoughts or sleep
  • Significant impairment in work, school, parenting, or relationships

Strategies for PTSD treatment

  1. Medicine management to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day function.
    Medicine potentially serves to:

    • Improve sleep
    • Reduce autonomic nervous system “overdrive” and irritability
    • Assist in mood-depression relief or mood stabilization
    • Reduce (but not likely eliminate) anxiety

Please note; the research indicates that benzodiazepines have no place in chronic management of PTSD, and often make PTSD worse. We practice evidence-based guidelines in our clinic. Our goal at Edmond Psychiatric Associates is to both improve symptoms and improve your quality of life–both short and long term.

  1. Coordinate care with trauma-focused therapy. We have close relationships with tf-CBT therapists as well as EMDR therapists. Therapy is the bedrock of PTSD recovery
  2. Stabilization and relapse prevention

If PTSD symptoms sound familiar to you, please consider reaching out and seeing if we can partner with you on your path to recovery.