Disorders Treated - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Definition of PTSD

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), although considered by the DSM-IV-TR to be an anxiety disorder, has many symptoms other than anxiety.  PTSD develops in response to a traumatic event such as physical assault, abuse, sexual assault, combat, or witnessing such events.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms exist across numerous domains including intrusive thoughts, images, and memories; avoidance; and intense emotions.

Specific symptoms could include:

1) flashbacks
2) nightmares
3) thought suppression or avoidance
4) emotional suppression
5) hopelessness
6) avoidance of loved ones and support systems
7) anger
8) irritability
9) aggression
10) insomnia
11) hypervigilance and heightened startle response
12) intense guilt
13) addiction (alcohol and drug abuse)

Treatment of PTSD

Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for PTSD have demonstrated very high success rates.  Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy have both been empirically supported by a number of scientific studies.  Many of these studies found efficacy in as few as 12 sessions.