PTSD

Health & Psychiatry

Psychiatrist located across Florida

It’s normal to feel fear or anxiety after going through a traumatic event, but these feelings usually resolve with time and good self-care. However, if your symptoms worsen, last for months, or interfere with your daily life, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dinar Sajan, MD, is an experienced and compassionate psychiatrist at Health & Psychiatry, which has locations across Florida, who along with her team, takes a holistic approach to care and offers innovative treatments for PTSD. To alleviate symptoms and restore health, hope, and harmony, schedule an appointment by calling the office nearest you, or book an appointment online today.

PTSD FAQs

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic or terrifying event. Almost everyone experiences some amount of anxiety, fear, or worry after going through a scary or life-threatening situation. For most people, these symptoms improve and resolve over time with good self-care.

Those with PTSD have symptoms that worsen over time and interfere with daily life, including your work and relationships.

PTSD affects all ages and may develop after a serious injury, sexual or physical assault, or life-threatening situation.

What are PTSD symptoms?

PTSD symptoms usually develop within three months of the traumatic event. However, it’s not unusual for symptoms to occur years later.

PTSD symptoms are grouped into categories, and include:

Avoidance symptoms

With avoidance symptoms, you may do everything you can to reduce contact with people, places, or circumstances that remind you of the terrifying or traumatic event.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include feeling on edge, easily agitated, or quick to anger. With PTSD, these symptoms are constant and may affect your sleep and relationships.

Re-experiencing symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and nightmares.

Cognition and mood symptoms

Cognition and mood symptoms include foggy memory of the event, feelings of guilt or shame, and negative self-image.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Dr. Sajan is an experienced psychiatrist and with her team performs a comprehensive initial psychiatric evaluation for all new patients to identify the biological, psychological, and social factors that may be causing your symptoms to help formulate an accurate diagnosis. During your exam, she reviews your symptoms, medical and mental health history, and performs psychiatric tests to assess mood and cognition.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must be experiencing at least one symptom from each symptom category for a month or more.

How is PTSD treated?

At Health & Psychiatry, Dr. Sajan and her team take a holistic approach to care and develops personalized, comprehensive treatment plans for PTSD based on the severity of your symptoms and medical history. Your treatment plan may include:

Psychotherapy

The team at Health & Psychiatry may use various forms of psychotherapy based on your specific needs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or cognitive restructuring.

Medication

To aid in symptom control, Dr. Sajan and her team may prescribe an antidepressant. She may also recommend other medications if you’re struggling with sleep or anxiety.

PTSD affects everyone differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. For comprehensive and individualized care for your PTSD from an experienced psychiatrist, call Health & Psychiatry, or book an appointment online today.