Blog

In a study where PSTD screening was given to trauma level patients, over 40% exhibited signs of PTSD. While 8% of Georgians suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives, the rate of PTSD is significantly higher in communities and neighborhoods around Atlanta where several thousand report seeing or being a victim of a violent crime. Georgia has 152 acute care hospitals, with only 15 of those designated as trauma centers. Only 5 of those 15 trauma centers are found in Atlanta. Grady Memorial in Atlanta is the largest hospital in Georgia, 5^th largest in the U.S. and the busiest Level 1 trauma center in the U.S.

PTSD Rates at Home Rival PTSD Rates of War Veterans

Atlanta, along with Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia who all have high rates of violent crime also show higher levels of PTSD. Recent research studies found that in the U.S. those with traumatic injuries develop PTSD at rates comparable to war veterans. In fact, in Atlanta, the rates of PTSD in the general population are as high as or higher than PTSD seen in veterans returning from the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam wars. Life in major cities has become so stressful that the populace is more likely to suffer flashbacks, nightmares, paranoia, anxiety, fear and social withdrawal.

Untreated PTSD Impacts Life Skills

PTSD symptoms progress disrupting the ability to function effectively at home, with friends and at work. Pro Publica online reports that while an Atlanta trauma center may be able to save a life and send them back out into the community, the occurrence of PTSD following the trauma results in the patient not having all of their needs met. With better awareness of the increase of PTSD, more patients will hopefully be referred for mental health evaluation and treatment. If you or a loved one is experiencing any signs or symptoms of PTSD, working with a mental health professional experienced in community acquired PTSD is the right path in regaining control of your life.

Variety of Triggers for PTSD

PTSD can develop from a wide variety of triggers. While the disorder is often associated with being a victim of a violent crime, severe injury, exposure to war or natural disasters, PTSD can also be brought on by events that may not qualify as traumatic such as unemployment, divorce, or major life changes.

PTSD Symptoms

While receiving a proper diagnosis of PTSD is necessary for proper treatment, symptoms can include phobia, avoidance, recurring nightmares, flashbacks, having a negative emotional state, feeling detached from others, sleeplessness, irritability, anger, numbing of emotions, hyper-vigilance, and self-destructive behavior.

Call Dr. Hege a highly regarded PTSD psychiatrist in Atlanta. Get the help you need now.

Psychiatric News reported on studies that shows after a traumatic brain injury, TBI, there is an increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder. The most common disorders found after a TBI are PTSD, panic or anxiety disorder, depression and social phobias. In addition, significant complaints that impact daily life include problems with memory, sleep, concentration and focus. In the U.S., with some 2 million sustaining a TBI every year, it is important to increase awareness to psychological, emotional and physiological problems that can occur after TBI.

TBI Increases Risk of Psychiatric Disorder to Over 400%

A 30+ year study the American Journal of Psychiatry just published in April 2014 shows dramatic increases of the development of a major psychiatric disorder after a TBI, while pre-existing mental illness can increase the severity of the symptoms. Developing bipolar disorder risk increased by 28%, depression increased by 59%, a diagnosis of schizophrenia increased by 65%, and the development of organic mental disorders increased by 439%. Research data presented illustrates that the additional risk was not credited to any family history of psychiatric illness, nor was the risk of a TBI shown to happen more to someone who was accident prone.

Mental Health Illness after TBI Needs Psychiatric Evaluation

With increasing awareness of the all-encompassing impact a TBI can have on the emotional, psychological health and well-being of a person, earlier diagnosis and proper treatment can begin for any developing psychiatric disorders. Finding a qualified psychiatrist experienced in frequent initial medication adjustments and modification following a diagnosis of psychiatric disorder after a TBI is critical.  Mental health illness responds to pharmacological treatment no matter if the disorder developed from a TBI or not.

Atlanta TBI Psychiatric Disorder Specialist

If mental health concerns begin to interfere with your life after a concussion, closed head injury, or TBI, it is time for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if a psychiatric treatment plan is in order. Contact us for help.

With the world’s seemingly unending stressful events, such as money issues, family problems, random violence in the news, many people can develop a mental health issue. Whether or not the problem is short-lived or becomes chronic, both respond to psychiatric medications that when properly managed lead to the successful treatment of life-disrupting mental illness.

Psychiatric Medications Critical Part of Treatment Plan

Psychiatric medications are often a critical element in the development of a successful mental health treatment plan. The National Institute of Mental Health separates psychiatric medications into six main groups which include medications used to treat ADHD, anxiety disorders, clinical depression, bi-polar disorder, mood disorders, or medications used as a sedative. A qualified psychiatrist carefully diagnoses and prescribes after a thorough evaluation and history taking.

Top Five Psychiatric Medications Prescribed

Psych Central reports that the top ranking medication from 2005 forward to today is Xanax / alprazolam used for anxiety, with almost 48 million U.S. prescriptions written on an annual basis. The other four psychiatric medications range from almost 24 million U.S. prescriptions a year to well over 37 million.

The 2nd ranked medication includes Zoloft/sertraline for anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and depression; 3rd, the drug Ativan for panic disorder and anxiety; 4th, Prozac/fluoxetine for anxiety and depression; and 5th, Celexa/citalopram for anxiety and depression. The variety of psychiatric medications used for ADHD rank all the way from 15th to 25th with yearly U.S. prescriptions totaling up to more than 35 million a year.

Common Psychiatric Medication Side-Effects

Psychiatric medication side effects vary from one person to the next. There are numerous factors that change how your body will react to any one or a combination of medications. The four main psychiatric medication side effects are:

• Weight gain
• Sexual issues or dysfunction
• Restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability or agitation
• Tiredness, drowsiness, memory deficits or clouded thinking

Other significant side effects which may require more immediate psychiatrist medication adjustment and management include:

• Diarrhea or GI upset such as nausea and vomiting
• Impaired coordination and control of body’s extremities
• Insomnia
• Blurred vision
• Cardio-pulmonary issues
• Drop in blood pressure with feelings of dizziness or syncope
• Black outs or feeling like you are in a trance or stupor
• Becoming despondent or having feelings of great sadness and despair
• Any change in your emotional or physical state that may be due to psychiatric medication side effect which is causing you emotional stress.

Atlanta Psychiatrist, Expert in Managing Medication Side Effects

If you are currently taking psychiatric medications and are experiencing side effects that have negatively impacted family, social relationships or work related interactions, it is time for a change – call Atlanta’s expert in managing and adjusting psychiatric medications.

Dr. Darvin Hege, M.D. Atlanta’s psychiatric medication side-effects doctor is ready to help you make the change for the better – call to set up an appointment today.

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.