Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event, causing the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts, memories, or flashbacks of the ordeal.

Frequently associated with war veterans, PTSD can happen to anyone, at any age, who was involved in something life-threatening or traumatic, such as a hurricane, abuse, or a violent attack.

Symptoms of PTSD can begin a few days to years after the event, and can affect your life in many ways. Signs and symptoms of PTSD include:

• Depression
• Easily startled or jumpy
• Irritability and aggression
• Memory problems
• Relationship problems
• Reliving the trauma in nightmares or flashbacks
• Self-destructive behavior, like substance abuse
• Trouble sleeping
• Avoidance of certain places or situations that bring back associated memories

There are mental health disorders that co-exist with PTSD. This means treatment may involve a variety of inpatient (hospital stay) and outpatient (clinic) therapies to get you well again.

You don’t have to suffer anymore. Call and schedule an appointment with one of our psychiatrists at 305-243-0214.

Treatments

Biofeedback and Stress Management
Biofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that trains your mind to control the physical effects of stress or a health condition, including brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, body temperature, and more. Biofeedback involves sensors (electrodes) placed on your body, and special therapies taught by a certified biofeedback therapist.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT uses a small amount of electric current that is believed to reverse symptoms of mental disorders. The current, delivered through sensors (electrodes) on the scalp, causes brief, controlled seizures that change brain chemistry. ECT requires six to 12 treatments, performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, explores how a health condition affects your thoughts, emotions, behavior, and mood, and how to cope. There are many forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to change your thinking or behavior, and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) to improve your relationships. Psychotherapy is offered in groups or individually.

Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of medications in treating mental health disorders. Psychiatrists prescribe medications to improve symptoms of mental health disorders. Common medications include one, or a combination of, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotic drugs, anti-anxiety medicines, and stimulants. Our psychiatrists study these medicines to understand how they work and affect the body, and skillfully apply this knowledge in their daily practice.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
This non-invasive form of brain stimulation treats depression and anxiety that does not respond well to medicines or psychotherapy (talk therapy). It involves a head coil that delivers magnetic pulses to brain cells. These pulses change specific areas in the brain responsible for mood, memory, addiction, and more. rTMS is performed without anesthesia, in daily outpatient sessions for four to six weeks.

Why Choose UHealth?

Researching PTSD treatments and care with co-existing mental health disorders. We’re actively researching new and better ways to treat PTSD, especially as a co-existing condition with alcohol and substance abuse and bipolar disorder. You can trust you’ll receive the most up-to-date treatment and care from psychiatrists who understand your condition.

Specialized care for anxiety disorders. We have special expertise in treating anxiety disorders in people in every age and life stage. With programs for children and adolescents, adults, and older adults/seniors, we’re here for all your needs.