- What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- How Is PTSD Treated?
- What Are the Causes and Symptoms of PTSD?
- What Are the Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Reviews
- How Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosed?
- Take Back Control
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event or series of events. It's often prevalent among military personnel and veterans. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, our dedicated trauma therapists specialize in assisting individuals with PTSD and their families in navigating and coping with the condition. Our Superior, CO patients receive personalized support to identify and manage triggers, empowering them to initiate the healing process through trauma therapy and tailored solutions.
How Is PTSD Treated?
There is a range of treatment options for individuals with PTSD. Medications like antidepressants can help alleviate symptoms, while talk therapy is often recommended by mainstream facilities. Understanding triggers and learning to minimize and cope with them is a crucial first step in treatment. Our team may recommend various PTSD treatment methods, including medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy, or a combination of these. These approaches are widely beneficial and effectively reduce symptoms in many patients. Whatever treatment method you choose, we are here to support you every step of the way.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD can affect anyone, arising either shortly after a traumatic experience or potentially surfacing years down the line. Various traumatic events can trigger PTSD, including:
- Car accidents
- The death of a loved one
- Domestic abuse
- Natural disasters
- Military combat
The symptoms of PTSD can vary widely and may change over time. Common manifestations include:
- Avoiding situations or places that remind you of the trauma
- Being easily startled
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing sudden outbursts of anger
- Difficulty remembering specific details of the traumatic event
- Suffering from flashbacks or distressing dreams related to the trauma
What Are the Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD can arise after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. These risk factors include:
- Exposure to trauma: Direct experience or witnessing events such as physical assault, accidents, combat, or natural disasters
- Childhood abuse history: Early life trauma, including neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- High-risk occupations: Professions like the military, first responders, or healthcare workers that regularly involve exposure to traumatic situations
- Family history of mental illness: A genetic tendency toward anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
- Lack of social support: Emotional isolation or limited access to supportive relationships following a traumatic event
- Existing mental health conditions: Pre-existing anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders that increase vulnerability
- Repeated trauma exposure: Chronic stress from ongoing exposure to abusive relationships or hazardous environments
- Substance abuse: The use of alcohol or drugs that interfere with coping strategies and emotional regulation
- Brain chemistry changes: Alterations in stress hormone levels that affect emotional processing and response to trauma
- Intensity or duration of trauma: Prolonged or particularly severe traumatic experiences that may increase the risk of developing PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Reviews
Amazing. It's hard to describe Serenity in words, but everyone has been the most amazing, caring, thoughtful (looking for my gratitude words!) and supportive team I have ever had. My final TMS session (2nd ever, and this was a million times better than the first elsewhere) was the day I post this. I will miss being there every day, but I know that I can always reach out. The psychiatrists and support team here are the best, in my opinion. I honestly do not know where I would be right now if my friend didn't tell me about them. I'm so grateful for my friend telling me and all the awesome people in Serenity on and off the phone. I've been to many other places + people before in the country and either I hit the jackpot or found the best group to help with this journey with my friend's own experience. My friend has been with them for some years now, and his experience has helped him so much. Thank you all!! You all mean so much to me. I hope anyone reading will take the opportunity to try Serenity themselves. In my own experience of trying to get better personally, I never thought there was a place like this. Please, try. There's many places out there, but even if you have been to many you think don't fit, try here. It won't hurt and know it's a safe space. I hope it helps as it did for me. I'll see everyone soon! Truly, every day going there was the highlight of my day.
I had a wonderful experience coming to Serenity. I work in the mental health field, and have seen how hard it can be for people to access services, and I was pleasantly shocked at how smooth and quick the process was for me to get an appointment here. Big perk they take my insurnace. Katy McLaughlin was very sweet, easy to talk to, and provided me with a lot of clarity. She really listened to my concerns, points of view, and my needs, and welcomed me into her with a really great first appointment experience. 10/10
I just wanted to give my personal account of Dr. Katy McLaughlin. She was so kind to me in my time of need. If it weren’t for her, I may not be here today. After my insurance changed, I was forced to discontinue my visits. Serenity Mental Health Centers is lucky to have her. I want to wish her and her colleagues a warm thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, so much for your professionalism and kindness.
I cannot rave about Serenity Mental Health Centers enough!! Beth Martin is my provider at the Superior location. We’ve been working together a little over 4 months and I am so grateful to have met her. She’s an excellent, compassionate provider who truly cares about her patients. She’s extremely empathetic and good at what she does. Everyone at that location is wonderful from reception to medical assistants and providers. I also love the staff at the cherry creek location by my home where I do my TMS sessions. My tech Rhonda is just the sweetest woman. So kind and just delightful to see daily. Their receptionists are also equally warm and attentive. I’ve recommended Serenity to all my friends in the area. Keep up the great work!
I've been in therapy and on meds for a decade and was completely hopeless before I found Serenity. They recommended I do TMS and it changed my life!!!! I can finally say I am happy and live a "normal" life thanks to serenity. I am eternally grateful to have found them.
5
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
How Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation with one of our board-certified psychiatrists. The process begins with a clinical interview to discuss your symptoms, personal history, and experiences related to the traumatic event. We may also use standardized self-report questionnaires to assess the severity and frequency of symptoms and check for any co-occurring mental health conditions. This thorough approach helps us create a personalized treatment plan that supports your recovery journey.
How common is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects a significant portion of the global population. In the United States, it is estimated that 6-9% of individuals will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. This condition is particularly prevalent among military veterans and first responders who are frequently exposed to traumatic events. Additionally, civilians who have endured severe trauma, such as violent assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents, or the sudden death of a loved one, are also at high risk. Increased awareness of PTSD has led to better treatment options and support systems.
How do PTSD symptoms differ between children and adults?
The symptoms of PTSD vary greatly between children and adults, influenced by their age and developmental stage. Young children may show signs of distress through clinginess, new fears, or regressive behaviors like bedwetting. School-aged children often face academic difficulties and may experience nightmares. Teenagers might display risky behaviors, withdraw from social interactions, or exhibit intense mood swings. Identifying these age-specific symptoms is crucial for providing appropriate support and tailored interventions for each age group.
What factors increase the likelihood of developing PTSD?
Several factors can heighten the risk of developing PTSD after a traumatic event. Individuals with a history of mental health issues, previous traumatic experiences, or a genetic predisposition to mental health conditions are more susceptible. The severity and duration of the trauma, along with the availability and quality of immediate support, play critical roles. Personal perceptions of the trauma, such as feelings of helplessness, also significantly impact the risk. Conversely, a strong support network can help mitigate the risk of developing PTSD, while a lack of support can increase vulnerability.
Take Back Control
Serenity Mental Health Centers is dedicated to aiding individuals coping with PTSD. Our comprehensive approach includes various treatment options, such as prescription medications and TMS therapy. We understand the daunting nature of PTSD and its impact on individuals and their families. Rest assured, our team is committed to providing support throughout the journey of diagnosis, treatment, and management of PTSD, ensuring no one faces it alone. Contact our Superior, CO location to learn more.