Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Medical director Temika Heyward, DNP PMHNP, and her professional mental health team at Conduit Behavioral Health in Baltimore, Maryland, have the expertise and experience to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual. To learn more about PTSD, reach out to the practice today by phone or online. You can also ask about their telehealth service.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may emerge after an individual has been exposed to or witnessed a traumatic event. These events can be distressing, life-threatening, or emotionally overwhelming.

How is post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosing PTSD typically involves a clinical evaluation by a Conduit Behavioral Health professional. Two critical steps play a pivotal role.

1. Traumatic event exposure

To be considered for a PTSD diagnosis, you must’ve experienced or witnessed a traumatic event that encompasses a broad spectrum of distressing and life-threatening situations, including actual or threatened death, serious physical injury, or sexual violence. 

1. Symptom assessment

After establishing the exposure to a traumatic event, a thorough assessment determines the presence of specific symptoms associated with PTSD, which is instrumental in confirming the diagnosis. 

This systematic evaluation helps ensure that individuals experiencing the profound impact of traumatic events receive the appropriate diagnosis and, subsequently, the necessary treatment and support to address their condition.

What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder?

PTSD symptoms fall into four main groups:

Intrusive symptoms

These include recurrent, distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event. Individuals may experience intense emotional or physiological reactions when exposed to reminders of the trauma.

Avoidance symptoms

People with PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid thoughts, conversations, places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic event. They may even detach emotionally from loved ones and lose interest in previously enjoyable activities.

Negative changes in mood and cognition

This may involve persistent negative thoughts or beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of blame or guilt, an inability to experience positive emotions, and a sense of detachment from others.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

These symptoms can manifest as irritability, anger, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated startle response, and sleep disturbances. Individuals with PTSD often exhibit a heightened state of alertness.

How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated?

At Conduit Behavioral Health, PTSD is a treatable condition using various therapeutic approaches and interventions, including:

• Psychotherapy
• Medications
• Supportive therapies (group therapy and support groups)
• Lifestyle and self-care (exercise, healthy diet, meditation)
• Education and information
• Family and social support
  

Conduit Behavioral Health also provides a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) that helps patients with mental health challenges live an independent and healthy life.

To learn more about PTSD, call or book an appointment online today.