Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people of all ages, causing symptoms that affect emotional and physical well-being. The experienced team at Spero Psychiatry and Counseling in Gilbert, Arizona, specializes in diagnosing and treating PTSD. They treat all ages, including children, teens, and adults, and use innovative therapies that help your brain process your trauma so you can return to living your life. Call today or schedule a consultation online to get help with your PTSD. Telepsychiatry appointments are available.

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What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after a traumatic or life-threatening event.

Any type of trauma may cause fear during and after the event. Your feelings are your body’s fight-or-flight response and are meant to protect you from danger. You may feel jumpy, guilty, or have difficulty remembering details of the trauma. Over time, your symptoms improve.

However, people who continue to experience symptoms related to their trauma that get worse instead of better may have PTSD.

What causes PTSD?

Anyone exposed to trauma is at risk of developing PTSD. However, most people who go through a life-altering experience don’t have PTSD.

Researchers are still trying to uncover why some people develop PTSD and others don’t. But they have identified risk factors that make people more vulnerable, including having little support after the event or dealing with additional stress on top of working through their trauma.

People with a personal or family history of mental illness are also at greater risk of developing PTSD.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms vary but fall into four categories. These include:

Re-experiencing symptoms

Flashbacks, nightmares, and unwanted thoughts related to the event are examples of re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

Avoidance symptoms

People with PTSD may avoid any place or situation that reminds them of their trauma. They may change their entire routine to avoid any reminders.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

Feeling tense, being easily startled, and having difficulty sleeping are examples of arousal and reactivity symptoms of PTSD.

Cognition and mood symptoms

PTSD affects how you think and feel. You may have a hard time recalling details of your trauma, have negative thoughts about yourself, or feel guilty and ashamed about your trauma.

The team at Spero Psychiatry and Counseling conducts a psychiatric consultation to diagnose PTSD.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

The team at Spero Psychiatry and Counseling takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care. They customize your PTSD treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and how it affects your daily life.

Your plan may include psychotherapy, medication management, or both. Spero Psychiatry and Counseling also offers eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for PTSD.

EMDR is an innovative technique for people with PTSD that helps them process their traumatic memories so they can heal.

For expert help for your PTSD, call Spero Psychiatry and Counseling or schedule an appointment online today.