Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event, either experiencing it or witnessing it. When in danger, it’s natural to feel afraid. This fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to prepare to defend against the danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a healthy reaction meant to protect a person from harm. But in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this reaction is changed or damaged. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger.
Symptoms
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If symptoms get worse within months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD. Symptoms or intrusive memories may include:
- flashbacks and reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again
- nightmares and Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
- severe anxiety or emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event
- uncontrollable thoughts about the event
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
Treatment
There are several types of psychotherapy used to treat children and adults with PTSD. Some include cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. All these approaches can help you gain control of lasting fear after a traumatic event.
Several types of medications can also help treat PTSD. Some medications include antidepressants which can improve sleep problems and concentration, anti-anxiety medications to help improve anxiety and stress, and Prazosin which can surprise insomnia or recurring nightmares.
You and your doctor can work together to figure out the best treatment, with the fewest side effects, for your symptoms and situation. You may see an improvement in your mood and other symptoms within a few weeks.
Contact Us
If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they’re severe, or if you feel you’re having trouble getting your life back under control, contact our office today at 201-977-2889.
In preparing for your first appointment, you can make a helpful list of the following:
- any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and for how long.
- key personal information, especially events or experiences, even in your distant past, that have made you feel intense fear, helplessness or horror.
- your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions with which you’ve been diagnosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories such as flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event, as well as emotional distress when reminded of the trauma. Individuals may experience avoidance behaviors, trying to stay away from places, people, or activities that trigger memories of the event. Other symptoms include hyperarousal, such as being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, or feeling on edge, and negative changes in mood or thought patterns, like feelings of detachment or depression. These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and relationships. In New Jersey, those dealing with PTSD can seek help through our various therapeutic approaches, including online therapy.
Online therapy offers a flexible and accessible way for individuals with PTSD to receive treatment in a comfortable environment. It allows for real-time counseling sessions where therapists can help patients process traumatic memories and develop coping mechanisms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be effectively delivered through virtual sessions, addressing PTSD symptoms directly. The convenience of online therapy also helps individuals who may find it difficult to attend in-person sessions due to anxiety, scheduling, or transportation issues.
Family Psychiatry and Therapy offers a range of evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns, and EMDR, which helps process traumatic memories. Medication management, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, is available to help reduce symptoms like hyperarousal or intrusive thoughts. The practice also offers individualized treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s personal needs. Ongoing therapy sessions, both in-person and online, are available to provide continued support.
Yes, we accept Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance for PTSD treatment. As an in-network provider, we offer affordable access to therapies like CBT and EMDR for individuals in New Jersey. Contact us to verify your coverage and start your journey toward managing PTSD.
You can reach out to us for professional PTSD support, as we offer specialized mental health services for trauma-related conditions. Additionally, community mental health clinics, licensed therapists, and PTSD support groups throughout New Jersey provide valuable resources. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offer local support and hotlines. It’s important to connect with a mental health professional or organization that can offer treatment and guidance.
Additional Information in Paramus, New Jersey
- National Institute of Mental Health - PTSD: Detailed information on the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. It highlights the impact of traumatic events on mental health and outlines treatment options like psychotherapy and medications. The site emphasizes evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which are proven effective in treating PTSD. For online therapy, this resource reinforces that these treatments can be administered remotely, making it easier for individuals with PTSD to access care without needing to attend in-person sessions.
- American Psychological Association - PTSD: Comprehensive look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder. It explains how trauma can lead to emotional and psychological distress, with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. The site emphasizes the effectiveness of therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), both of which can be delivered through online therapy. This resource helps individuals understand that online therapy provides a convenient and effective way to receive treatment for PTSD, allowing for flexibility while still addressing the core issues related to trauma.
- Mayo Clinic - PTSD: Provides a thorough overview of its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and complications. It explains how PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional distress. The page also covers treatment options, including therapy, medications, and support groups, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. For online therapy, this site helps by reinforcing the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which can be administered remotely, allowing individuals with PTSD to receive support from home.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Overview of post-traumatic stress disorder, detailing its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of treatment. It emphasizes the need for timely intervention to manage PTSD and prevent long-term effects on mental health. The site discusses various treatment options, including psychotherapy and medications, highlighting evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This resource helps individuals understand that online therapy can effectively deliver these treatments, offering accessibility and flexibility for those seeking help for PTSD remotely.
- Seeking Help After Trauma: Resources from Horizon BCBS: Offers comprehensive support and resources for individuals coping with trauma and PTSD. Includes information on therapy options, stress management techniques, and tools to navigate recovery with the help of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield.
