Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can only develop after you go through or see a life-threatening event. It's normal to have stress reactions to these types of events. Everyone reacts differently, and most people start to feel better after a few weeks. However, for some people, they may experience upsetting feelings that continue for longer. If these feelings cause problems in life. It may be PTSD.
Read more here at the National Center for PTSD.
If you are in crisis, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others. Stop reading. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Help is available 24 hours a day.
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Patients with PTSD may experience intrusive, disturbing memories or dreams about the event, feelings that the world is not real or general feelings of sadness or tearfulness. Patients may make extensive effort to avoid any reminders of the event.
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Working with a doctor who has experience and expertise in treating anxiety is the best start.
There are many medical causes for these symptoms and it is important to see a doctor who can complete a medical evaluation to rule out another medical condition, which can be treated. When other causes have been excluded, an experienced psychiatrist can help work with you to make a personalized, focused treatment plan to address these debilitating symptoms and help you to move forward with life.
Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy
If these symptoms are impacting you and your life, or if you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr Kennedy today.
Click here to schedule and take the first step in treatment.
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The National Institute of Mental Health has provided a patient information guide to PTSD .
Click here to download this guide, free of charge, direct from their website.
(Dr. Nigel I. Kennedy MD PhD is not responsible for the content of external websites)
As a specialist psychiatrist, Dr. Kennedy has extensive clinical experience in treating PTSD, trauma and stress disorders. Treatment commonly involves medication management to treat the symptoms of anxiety and psychotherapy to identify and treat any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to symptoms. The first session is an extensive evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and to explore options for treatment. Click here to arrange a brief courtesy call or to schedule an appointment.