Experiencing exceptionally disturbing trauma of any kind could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Full Moon Behavioral’s offices in San Antonio, Texas, experienced psychiatrist Elena Gherman, MD, takes an integrative, holistic approach to healing patients’ minds and helping them overcome trauma. If you live life in a continual state of anxiety and suffer flashbacks and nightmares, call Full Moon Behavioral today. You can also arrange an in-person or telemedicine consultation by completing the online appointment request form.

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What is PTSD?

PTSD sometimes affects people who are involved in or witness a traumatic event. PTSD triggers could be anything that causes you extreme distress or fear, such as:

  • Terrorist attacks
  • Rail, sea, or road accidents
  • Airplane crashes
  • Sexual assault
  • Physical abuse
  • Natural disasters like hurricanes or floods
  • Severe injuries

One of the most widely-recognized PTSD triggers is war. It can affect armed forces personnel involved in the fighting and civilians living or working nearby.

PTSD triggers tend to be sudden, short-lived events. However, people living in fear for many years can also develop a form of this condition known as complex PTSD. It often affects children and adults who suffer long-term sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

What symptoms does PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms vary between individuals but are likely to include:

  • Anxiety
  • Nightmares and night terrors
  • Depression
  • Problems concentrating
  • Shame or survivor’s guilt
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Irritability or aggression
  • Startling easily
  • Avoidance behaviors
  • Panic attacks

People with PTSD experience distressing memories that replay continually in their minds. Sometimes, these memories are overwhelming, typically in response to a reminder of the event. You may then suffer a flashback — a memory so vivid it feels like you’re reliving the trauma.

Flashbacks and panic attacks are so unpleasant and frightening that you may withdraw from anything or anybody that could trigger one. People with PTSD often isolate themselves, and some turn to alcohol or develop substance use disorder in their efforts to numb their feelings.

PTSD symptoms often begin soon after the traumatic experience but can sometimes take years to develop.

How is PTSD treated?

Full Moon Behavioral offers compassionate care to people with PTSD. After confirming your diagnosis, Dr. Gherman designs a customized treatment plan to help you regain control and stability in your life.

Psychotherapy techniques revolve around talking with your therapist. Some methods help you understand your negative thought patterns and process the experience in a safe environment. Others, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help you challenge negative thoughts and change them to more positive ones, which makes daily life easier to cope with.

Dr. Gherman also offers specialized cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD, where the patient involves a close family member in their counseling sessions.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can also help you manage your PTSD symptoms.

For expert support with PTSD, call Full Moon Behavioral or book an in-person or telemedicine consultation online today.