PTSD

Persistent flash backs and nightmares, intrusive memories and avoidance behaviors – these are a few ways in which post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD can manifest itself.

For others, PTSD can present as being irritable and having angry outbursts, behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way, being overly watchful of one’s surroundings and being easily startled. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can lead to PTSD. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, combat, rape/sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying. Medication can help to control the symptoms of PTSD. Other medications may be used to lower anxiety and physical agitation, or treat the nightmares and sleep problems that trouble many people with PTSD. In addition, the symptom relief that medication provides, allows many people to participate more effectively in psychotherapy.