Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment with Medication after Evaluation
Post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is a mental health condition that disrupts a person’s daily routine, relationships with family and friends, and the ability to manage steady employment or attend college. Research data reports that since 9/11 almost 25 million Americans and up to 30% of combat veterans have PTSD.
June is National PTSD Awareness Month
The National Center for PTSD is working to educate and reach out to those suffering from undiagnosed PTSD. Many people view PTSD as a problem for soldiers returning home from combat. However, any traumatic event can trigger post traumatic stress disorder; a fire, robbery, car accident, threat of random violence, a death, or a serious medical diagnosis are a few situations many people face in their lifetime.
While a person may experience varying degrees of reactions to stressors, many do not develop PTSD. Medical professionals do not know why some have PTSD and others do not. Receiving proper evaluation and diagnosis is key to starting on a proven treatment plan for PTSD symptoms.
Three Types of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
PTSD symptoms typically fall into one of three types which are:
- Intrusive Memories: Type one includes flashbacks or repeatedly going over the traumatic event in your mind or having unsettling and disturbing dreams about the event.
- Avoidance and Emotional Numbing: Type two includes feelings of hopelessness, difficulty with focus and concentration, feeling emotionally numb, avoiding previously enjoyed activities or having difficulty maintaining close personal relationships.
- Anxiety and Increased Emotional Arousal: Type three of PTSD includes overwhelming guilt or shame, poor sleep patterns, becoming easily irritated or angry, being easily frightened, experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations, or displaying self destructive behavior like drinking, drugs or sexual promiscuity.
PTSD Medications Integral Part of Successful Treatment Plan
Specific medications prescribed by an Atlanta PTSD psychiatrist positively alter PTSD symptoms and manage other aspects such as anxiety, depression, emotional outbursts, insomnia or recurrent nightmares.
Two PTSD medications (SSRI’s), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Zoloft/sertraline and Paxil/paroxetine, work by helping with depression and anxiety as well as raising serotonin levels to achieve an end result of improved feelings of well-being and happiness.
Atlanta Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychiatrist
PTSD can be effectively treated and managed following a full evaluation by an expert Atlanta PTSD psychiatrist like Dr. Hege.
The road to effective treatment and recovery from PTSD can begin with a call to schedule an appointment.