PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people of all ages, causing symptoms that affect emotional and social well-being. At Newstone Behavioral Health in Garland, Texas, Bosede Iwuamadi, DNP, PMHNP, and the team provide comprehensive and compassionate care for PTSD in people seven and older. They provide all psychiatric mental health care through telehealth. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

I can’t drive after a car accident. Do I have PTSD?

Anyone can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after going through a life-threatening event like a car accident. Trauma triggers your body’s fight-or-flight response, making you more fearful, nervous, and on edge.

It’s not uncommon to have a fear of driving after a car accident. However, with good support and coping skills, your fears slowly subside so you can return to driving.

However, if your fear worsens and causes other symptoms that affect your ability to manage your daily responsibilities, then you may have PTSD.

PTSD affects people of all ages and may develop after any traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, combat, or physical abuse. 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms fall into four categories. You must have symptoms from each category for a PTSD diagnosis. 

Symptoms of PTSD include:

Re-experiencing symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms are nightmares and flashbacks of the trauma, triggering the intense emotions all over again.

Avoidance symptoms

Avoidance symptoms in PTSD are the behaviors you engage in to avoid any person, place, or situation that reminds you of your trauma. 

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

PTSD heightens your stress response, making you always feel on edge and jumpy and quick to anger.

Cognition and mood symptoms

Cognition symptoms of PTSD make it hard for you to remember details of your trauma. Mood symptoms are feelings of anger, guilt, or shame relating to the trauma.

What happens during a PTSD evaluation?

The team at Newstone Behavioral Health conducts a comprehensive initial evaluation for patients who have concerns about PTSD. They ask detailed questions about the trauma and symptoms and review medical and mental health history.

They may also administer psychological tests to confirm a diagnosis. 

What treatments help PTSD?

Newstone Behavioral Health takes an individualized approach to care. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management, or both. 

The team customizes care, considering the trauma that led to your PTSD, the severity of your symptoms, and any underlying mental health issues contributing to your symptoms.

Support from loved ones is crucial for recovery from PTSD. The team at Newstone Behavioral Health is family-oriented and involves your support team in your treatment plan when appropriate.

Call Newstone Behavioral Health or schedule an appointment online today for expert PTSD care.