PTSD

PTSD services offered in Lanham, MD and Washington, DC

Suffering from the devastating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can severely affect your daily function and quality of life. The specialists at Chivic Healthcare Services in Lanham, Maryland, and Washington, DC, provide promising treatments for PTSD to give you the help you need and deserve. To book an appointment today, call the compassionate team or use the online scheduling tool.

PTSD Q&A

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops in some individuals after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can be life-threatening, extremely distressing, or overwhelming, and they can leave a lasting impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being.

What causes PTSD?

The causes of PTSD can stem from various traumatic incidents, such as:

Combat exposure (experiences in war zones or combat situations)
Physical or sexual assault
Natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes)
Accidents (car crashes, plane crashes)

In addition, persistent traumatic experiences during childhood, including neglect, abuse, or unstable environments, may contribute to the development of PTSD later in life.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

At Chivic Healthcare Services, your practitioner diagnoses PTSD through a comprehensive assessment. The diagnostic criteria, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), include:

Exposure to a traumatic event
Experiencing intrusive symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares)
Avoidance of triggers related to the trauma
Negative changes in mood or cognition
Alterations in arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, irritability)

Your mental health professional may conduct a thorough evaluation involving a detailed discussion of the traumatic event, symptoms experienced, and their impact on daily life. Psychological assessments and standardized tests may also be used.

How can my PTSD be treated?

Treatment for PTSD often involves:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including trauma-focused therapies like prolonged exposure therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), helps you process traumatic experiences, manage symptoms, and change negative thought patterns.

Medications

Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications, might be prescribed to alleviate symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia associated with PTSD.

Support groups

Group therapy or peer support can provide a sense of community and understanding, offering opportunities to share experiences and coping strategies with others who have experienced similar traumas.

Lifestyle changes

Practicing stress-reduction techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being may also be recommended.

If you show signs of PTSD, the condition can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment and care. If you think you might have PTSD and are ready to regain a sense of safety, control, and overall well-being, call or book an appointment online at Chivic Healthcare Services today.