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Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition in which the emotional effects of a traumatizing event interfere with a person's mood, capacity to cope, and ability to function comfortably in daily life. The condition doesn’t always emerge in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic incident; in some cases, it can take years before symptoms manifest, which will make it hard to know if you have the condition. While the disorder manifests differently from person to person, below are a few of the more common symptoms to be aware of so you know when to seek PTSD treatment.

A Primer on PTSD

What Are Common Symptoms?

Flashbacks to the traumatic event are among the most common signs of PTSD. This typically consists of mentally reliving the trauma and re-experiencing both the physical and mental feelings from the event, such as a racing heart and a fight-or-flight stress response. Nightmares and intrusive thoughts are also typical.

Avoiding people, places, and objects that remind you of the traumatic event, as well as the thoughts and feelings associated with it, is another telltale symptom of PTSD.

Reactivity symptoms go hand in hand with PTSD as well. These are hypervigilant behaviors like a hair-trigger fear response, insomnia, angry outbursts, and a feeling of being anxious and on-edge.

Trouble concentrating, depression, negative thinking, and overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and blame are just a few of the mood- and cognitive-related signs of the condition.

What Diagnostic Criteria Are Used? 

ptsd treatmentPTSD treatment professionals look at four main criteria when diagnosing the condition. Since each patient experiences PTSD differently, they look to identify broad categories of symptoms. The patient must display at least one avoidance behavior, at least one flashback-related symptom, at least two reactive symptoms, and at least two cognitive symptoms. Symptoms generally must be ongoing for at least a month. 

What Does Treatment Look Like? 

If you've experienced trauma and note any of the above symptoms, always see a medical professional. They’ll provide an accurate diagnosis and make care recommendations. PTSD treatment will be tailored to meet your specific needs and may include talk therapy, support groups, psychiatric medication, ketamine infusion therapy, or a combination of these approaches.

 

The Ketamine Center of Connecticut offers PTSD treatment to the New Haven County, CT, area. Their ketamine therapy is utilized in conjunction with your overall counseling and medical care plan. They also work with patients who are dealing with other mental illnesses or pain management issues. To schedule a free screening, call (203) 701-6388. Visit them online to learn more about the process. 

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