- 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?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Take Back Control
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop following a traumatic event or series of events, and it is often prevalent among military personnel. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, our trauma therapists specialize in assisting individuals with PTSD and their loved ones in coping with and managing the condition. Our approach focuses on helping patients identify their triggers and develop effective coping strategies. We provide the support needed to begin the healing process through trauma therapy and other tailored solutions. To learn how we can help you with PTSD, contact our Lakewood, CO facility.
How Is PTSD Treated?
Various treatment options are available for individuals with PTSD. Medications, such as antidepressants, can alleviate symptoms, while talk therapy is often recommended by mainstream facilities. Understanding triggers and learning to minimize and cope with them is the first step in treatment. Our team may recommend medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy, or a combination of these methods for PTSD treatment. These approaches are highly effective and safely alleviate symptoms in most patients. Regardless of the chosen treatment method, we are here to support you every step of the way.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone and may emerge immediately following a traumatic event or manifest years later. Common triggers for PTSD include:
- Car accidents
- The death of a loved one
- Domestic abuse
- Natural disasters
- Military combat
The symptoms of PTSD can fluctuate and may not be consistent over time. Typical symptoms include:
- Avoidance of places or activities that evoke memories of the trauma
- Heightened startle response
- Sleep disturbances
- Frequent anger outbursts
- Difficulty recalling the traumatic event
- Flashbacks or distressing dreams related to the incident
What Are the Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a traumatic experience, but certain factors may increase the risk. These include:
- Prolonged or severe trauma: Experiencing repeated or intense traumatic events
- Exposure to trauma: Involvement in accidents, combat, natural disasters, or physical assault
- Childhood abuse history: Experiencing neglect, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse early in life
- High-risk occupations: First responders, military personnel, and healthcare workers facing frequent trauma
- Mental health history: Pre-existing anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
- Family history of mental illness: A genetic link to anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Lack of emotional support: Limited social connections or difficulty receiving support after trauma
- Substance misuse: Alcohol or drug use interfering with emotional processing and coping
- Chronic stress exposure: Living in abusive environments or facing ongoing dangerous situations
- Neurochemical imbalances: Disruptions in brain chemistry affecting stress response and emotional regulation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Reviews
Dr. Jennifer French is first provider I have fully been able to trust with my mental health. She is caring, attentive, compassionate, and she listens! She possesses all qualities that are an absolute necessity for providing mental healthcare. She is my top recommendation to my friends and family. I truly enjoy our appointments together. She is honest, validating, and non-judgmental. If you are looking for an incredible place, that is relaxing, but encompasses kindness and integrity - Serenity is your place!
This is one of the most fantastic places for Mental Health! From all the amazing front office Girls to the Nurses that make you feel like you're family. Best of all Dr . Froehlich helped me so much I feel like a Different person Mentally and Emotionally! There's also Rob who helped me with payments for Ketamine and TMS treatments not just a manger he's a Friend! Thank you to Serenity for giving me my Life back I will always be Grateful !
Serenity offers a wide variety of therapies for mental health. The staff is warm and welcoming, and Dr. Gower is empathetic, open, and very comfortable to talk to. He believes in trying the path of least invasive treatment which I believe is the healthiest way to approach mental health in the beginning. My appointment relieved a lot of my anxiety.
Dr. Gower has been wonderful. I would never have even have known that TMS and ketamine treatment were an option. It’s absolutely revolutionized my life. He has also helped me manage my medication while listening to my concerns and taking everything I say seriously. It’s indescribable to have a doctor that doesn’t gaslight me. He is also really great about working with my other doctors, the synchronicity is phenomenal. All of the nurses and other staff have also been incredible and so kind. The do so much work to make sure I am getting the most out of my treatments. This is the only place I’ve found that will work with you on doing a payment plan that actually makes sense. And doesn’t overwhelm you with debt. And they make it a breeze. Overall, I just feel really blessed to have found Serenity Mental Health Centers.
In the time where people should be considering their mental health options, Serenity Mental Health Centers has been a great option for me and I will continue to go there for mental health support
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
How Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosed?
PTSD is identified through an in-depth assessment led by one of our board-certified psychiatrists. This diagnostic journey often begins with a clinical interview, focusing on your symptoms, personal history, and specific incidents related to the trauma. Our team may also utilize standardized self-report questionnaires to measure how severe and frequent the symptoms are and check for any other concurrent mental health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How widespread is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major mental health condition that impacts millions of people around the world. In the United States, it is estimated that 6-9 percent of the population will experience PTSD during their lifetime. This disorder is especially prevalent among veterans and first responders who frequently encounter traumatic events. Civilians exposed to severe trauma, such as physical assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents, or the sudden loss of a loved one, are also at high risk. As awareness of PTSD grows, more effective treatments and support systems are being developed.
What are the differences in PTSD symptoms between children and adults?
PTSD symptoms can vary greatly between children and adults, depending on age and developmental stage. Younger children may exhibit signs of distress through behaviors like increased clinginess, developing new fears, or regressing to earlier behaviors. School-aged children might face challenges with academic performance and experience issues with sleeping. Teenagers may show symptoms through risky behaviors, social withdrawal, or significant mood swings. Understanding these age-specific manifestations is crucial for providing appropriate and tailored support.
What factors make someone more susceptible to PTSD?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD following a traumatic event. Individuals with a history of mental health disorders, previous traumatic experiences, or a genetic predisposition are at a higher risk. The intensity and duration of the trauma, along with the immediate availability and quality of support, are key determinants. Personal interpretations of the trauma, such as feeling helpless, also play a significant role. On the other hand, having a strong support system can lower the risk, while a lack of support can heighten vulnerability to PTSD.
Take Back Control
At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we are dedicated to assisting individuals suffering from PTSD. Our Lakewood, CO team provides a comprehensive array of treatment options, including prescription medications and transcranial magnetic stimulation, among others. Dealing with PTSD can be daunting for both the individual and their family, but you don't have to face it alone. Our professionals are here to offer guidance and support throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and management of PTSD.