Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that develops after a traumatic experience. PTSD symptoms affect physical, emotional, and social well-being. At Meisel NP in Psychiatry in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn in New York City, Jason Meisel, NP, provides compassionate psychiatric care for PTSD, including medication management and psychotherapy. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after you experience or witness a traumatic event.
Any traumatic event may affect your mental and emotional well-being. However, with self-care and support, most people recover from their trauma.
With PTSD, you continue to have symptoms related to the traumatic experience that get worse over time. These symptoms may be so severe that they affect your routine and relationships.
PTSD affects people of all ages.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
People with PTSD usually develop symptoms within three months of the traumatic event. Some people may not develop PTSD until years later.
PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:
RE-EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS
Flashbacks, nightmares, and frightening thoughts are types of PTSD re-experiencing symptoms.
AVOIDANCE SYMPTOMS
Avoidance symptoms include staying away from people, places, or situations that remind you of the traumatic event. The desire to avoid thoughts and feelings about the event are also types of PTSD avoidance symptoms.
AROUSAL AND REACTIVITY SYMPTOMS
Feeling on edge, being easily startled, and having angry outbursts are arousal and reactivity symptoms. With PTSD, you feel these symptoms all the time, which can make you feel stressed and angry.
COGNITION AND MOOD SYMPTOMS
With cognition and mood PTSD symptoms, you may have trouble remembering details of the event and have negative thoughts about yourself and the world.
For a PTSD diagnosis, you must experience symptoms from all four categories for a month or more.
How is PTSD treated?
At Meisel NP in Psychiatry, Jason takes an individualized approach to care. After conducting an in-depth evaluation to fully understand your mental health needs, he customizes your PTSD treatment plan, which may include:
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Jason may prescribe psychiatric medication to ease your PTSD symptoms. He works closely with you to help find the right medication and dose.
Your genetics may influence the effectiveness of your psychiatric medication, so Jason conducts pharmacogenetic testing to ensure you get the right treatment.
Meisel NP in Psychiatry also offers ketamine therapy for PTSD treatment.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
During psychotherapy, Jason uses various therapeutic techniques to help you understand your symptoms, identify your triggers, and develop strategies for managing symptoms. He may also collaborate with friends and family to help you get outside support for your PTSD.
Schedule an appointment at Meisel NP in Psychiatry by calling or booking online today.
