PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after exposure to some traumatic event from your past, often something in childhood. At Cary Behavioral Health serving Wake, Johnson, and Durham counties, North Carolina, Waheed Bajwa, MD, Maggie D’Angelo, PMHNP-BC, and the team specialize in trauma-informed care to reduce nightmares, flashbacks, distorted beliefs, and other symptoms of PTSD. Call Cary Behavioral Health or schedule an appointment online for a psychiatric evaluation and treatment consultation today.

How does PTSD start?

PTSD isn’t something you’re born with, but you may have a predisposition to it because of genetic factors. It begins after you’ve experienced or witnessed something traumatic. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the experience, but they can cause recurrent distress linked to the original circumstance. 

While PTSD is different for everyone, some examples of circumstances that can trigger it are:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Military combat
• Natural disasters
• Car accidents
• The death of a loved one
• Severe health issues
• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Near-death experiences

Symptoms can last for years, decades, or even a lifetime after the initial event. Fortunately, personalized evidence-based treatment can help you cope and feel better. 

What symptoms does PTSD cause?

PTSD can cause a wide range of long-lasting symptoms that repeatedly affect you and can vary in severity. Each symptom of PTSD belongs in one of four categories:

Intrusion

• Intrusion symptoms include intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts such as memories, dreams, and flashbacks related to the traumatic incident. 

Avoidance

• PTSD can drive you to avoid reminders of your trauma, including objects, places, and people. You might also attempt to avoid your own memories. 

Alterations in mood and cognition

• PTSD can alter your emotions and thought patterns. You might have trouble remembering the traumatic event itself. You might also experience distorted beliefs about yourself or the world around you. These beliefs might include guilt and detachment. 

Alterations in reactivity and arousal

• PTSD-related alterations in reactivity and arousal can include angry outbursts, being easily startled, sleep problems, and self-destructive or impulsive behaviors. 

How can I manage PTSD symptoms?

• The Cary Behavioral Health team takes a trauma-informed approach to PTSD care to give you the best possible outcome. 

After detailed neuropsychological testing to evaluate your symptoms, they often recommend psychotherapy. They specialize in specific types such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma-focused therapy (EMDR). 

You may also benefit from taking medications to manage your PTSD. Depending on your symptoms and their impact on your life, the team may prescribe antidepressants, antianxiety medications, or supervised ketamine therapy for PTSD. 

For compassionate and trauma-informed PTSD treatment, call Cary Behavioral Health or schedule an appointment online today.