PTSD Treatment near Fort Washington, PA

Post-traumatic stress disorder, known colloquially as PTSD, is a disorder that occurs after a traumatic event. Any traumatic event can cause PTSD, including an accident, abuse, or prolonged exposure to traumatic environments, such as those seen by military members or health care workers. PTSD is characterized by: 

• Reliving the event: This may include constantly dwelling on the event, flashbacks, or active avoidance of anything associated with the event
• Negative thoughts and feelings: Persistent negative thoughts about yourself, your surroundings, and even suicidal thoughts can all be signs of PTSD. 
• Heightened emotions: Feeling constantly on edge, or being unable to regulate your emotions, both positive and negative, can be another sign of PTSD. 
• Physical and emotional reactions: Serious cases of PTSD may provoke physical or emotional reactions as if you are still actively in the event. For example, someone who almost drowned may be physically unable to get into a body of water, or feel pain or intense panic while interacting with water. 

It’s important to note that anyone who has experienced a traumatic event can develop PTSD. If the above symptoms sound like you or a loved one, you may be experiencing PTSD. 

Types of PTSD

There are two types of post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). While both present with the same symptoms, CPTSD is considered more severe, and is often the result of prolonged exposure to traumatic events such as war, domestic violence, or childhood abuse.

Someone with CPTSD may also experience additional symptoms including dissociation, or detachment from reality, struggles with interpersonal relationships, including the feeling that no one can be trusted, and persistent feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. 

Treatment for PTSD

There are several treatment options when it comes to PTSD management. What works for you will be highly dependent on your symptoms and experiences. Some treatment options include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapies: Particularly Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be effective when understanding and processing the traumatic experiences that lead to PTSD. 
• Medications: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can assist with PTSD and CPTSD symptoms on a biochemical level.
• Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes, like engaging in meditation, mindfulness, and even cutting out substance use– which can make PTSD worse in some cases – can help to manage symptoms. 

Help for PTSD is Available

Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital in Fort Washington, PA offers guidance and support for those in Montgomery County struggling with mental disorders like PTSD and CPTSD. We offer a variety of programs designed to support and empower you on your mental health journey. Confidential, level of care assessments are available 24/7 by calling 800-256-5300.