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PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing, witnessing, or learning about a traumatic event. Unlike a temporary stress response, PTSD symptoms last more than one month, cause significant distress or impairment, and are not better explained by substances, medication, or another medical condition.
Symptoms may begin soon after trauma or become fully apparent months or years later.
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four groups:
Unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or intense reactions to reminders.
Staying away from people, places, activities, conversations, thoughts, or feelings connected to the trauma.
Fear, guilt, shame, anger, negative beliefs, memory gaps, emotional numbness, detachment, or loss of interest.
Feeling constantly alert, being easily startled, irritability, sleep problems, poor concentration, angry outbursts, or reckless behavior.
Triggers may include sounds, smells, places, dates, conversations, or situations associated with the trauma.
PTSD can follow assault, abuse, combat, serious accidents, natural disasters, medical emergencies, sudden or violent loss, or repeated work-related exposure to traumatic details. Not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD.
Risk may increase with severe or repeated trauma, childhood adversity, limited support, ongoing stress, or prior mental health concerns. PTSD may also occur with depression, anxiety, substance use problems, chronic pain, or sleep disorders.
There is no laboratory test or brain scan that directly diagnoses PTSD. A psychiatric evaluation reviews trauma exposure, symptoms, duration, daily impairment, medical history, substance use, and personal safety.
The provider also considers conditions with similar symptoms, including acute stress disorder, depression, panic disorder, sleep disorders, substance use, or traumatic brain injury.
Treatment is personalized according to symptoms, safety, medical history, related conditions, preferences, and recovery goals.
Evidence-based PTSD therapies include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and EMDR. These approaches can help process trauma memories, reduce avoidance, address unhelpful beliefs, and build safer responses to triggers.
Depending on clinical needs and availability, care may include therapy services or coordination with a trained trauma therapist.
Medication may help reduce depression, anxiety, intrusive symptoms, or sleep difficulties, but it is not necessary for everyone. A psychiatric provider can review benefits, side effects, interactions, and progress. Medication should not be changed without professional guidance.
Recovery may involve recognizing triggers, rebuilding routines, improving sleep, practicing coping skills, maintaining supportive relationships, and avoiding alcohol or drugs as coping tools. Progress is often gradual.
Seek professional care when symptoms persist, worsen, or affect work, sleep, relationships, responsibilities, or safety. For suicidal thoughts or an immediate crisis, call or text 988. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Paramount Healthcare Services offers psychiatric assessment, treatment planning, therapy services, and medication management when appropriate. Schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment to discuss symptoms and suitable next steps.
Providing compassionate, professional, and reliable psychiatric care in Las Vegas. We are dedicated to quality mental health services and supporting healthier lives.
