Trauma and PTSD

Clinic Locations in Boise & Meridian

Trauma and PTSD Overview

Trauma and PTSD are a psychiatric disorder that is common among people who witnessed or experienced a traumatic event such as a fatal accident, rape, war or combat, or a terrorist act. Trauma and PTSD affect around 3.5% of adults in the US. Mental health experts note that eight percent of the population is likely to be diagnosed with PTSD at least once in their lifetime.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD

Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder are haunted by disturbing feelings and thoughts related to the traumatic event long after it happened. Some relive the event through nightmares and flashbacks. Other signs of trauma and PTSD include:

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD
  • the affected person looks angry, fearful, guilty, ashamed, or sad
  • becoming estranged or detached
  • avoiding people or situations that remind you of the traumatic event
  • extreme reactions to ordinary stuff such as fire or loud noise
  • extreme irritability and mood swings
  • reckless or self-destructive behavior
  • problems focusing, concentrating, and sleeping
  • paranoid behaviors

How Are Trauma and PTSD Diagnosed?

Most victims of trauma experience some of the symptoms described above for several days after the traumatic event. However, for the condition to be classified as PTSD, the patient must manifest the symptoms for more than one month. Further, the condition must cause substantial distress, which interferes with the individual's normal functioning.

What Are the Risk Factors of Trauma and PTSD?

What Are the Risk Factors of Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma and PTSD are common among people at high risk of exposure to traumatic events such as war veterans, spouses and children from abusive and dysfunctional families, and members of disaster management teams. Women are more prone to trauma and PTSD than men. Lack of social support after a traumatic event can increase the risk of trauma and PTSD.

When to Get Help for Trauma and PTSD?

You should seek help for trauma and PTSD if you have an extreme reaction to a traumatic event. You can also seek help if you or a close relative experience some of the associated symptoms.

What Therapies are Available for Trauma and PTSD?

Treatment focus at Midvalley Healthcare

Psychotherapy

The counselor uses techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy to manage the symptoms and equip the patient with coping mechanisms.

Medication

Antidepressants such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can relieve some of the symptoms and enhance chances of recovery.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses electromagnetism to stimulate parts of the brain affected by trauma.

Where Can You Get Treatment for Trauma And PTSD?

If you or a close relative has symptoms of trauma and PTSD, MidValley Healthcare can help. Contact us for an appointment.

MidValley Healthcare, with clinic locations in Boise and Meridian, offers psychiatric counseling and TMS Therapy to help you achieve and maintain a happier, healthier life. You can continue to work, care for family, live your life--while getting the support and care you need.

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