PTSD

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that might occur after a terrifying event like military combat, physical or mental abuse, or an accident. PTSD can negatively affect your quality of life, but treatment with Dr. Gaskill offers relief.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Common signs and symptoms often linked with PTSD include:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Severe anxiety
• Depression
• Uncontrollable thoughts
• Fear, guilt, or shame
• Getting startled easily
• Reliving traumatic events
• Severe emotional distress
• Avoiding trigger situations
• Negative thoughts
• Hopelessness
• Irritability
• Memory impairment
• Social isolation 
• Problems in relationships
• Drug or alcohol misuse

Complications that can occur with untreated PTSD include depression, drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

You don’t have to live with these or other PTSD symptoms that negatively affect your life. Seek treatment with Dr. Gaskill at the first sign of PTSD.

What causes PTSD?

Traumatic life events are common causes of PTSD. Examples include:

• Car accidents
• Other traumatic accidents
• Severe injuries
• Military combat
• Natural disasters
• Past physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse

With the help of Dr. Gaskill, you can recover from PTSD and thrive at work, school, and in relationships.

How does my provider diagnose PTSD?

To find out if you have PTSD, Dr. Gaskill discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. She completes a physical examination and psychiatric evaluation by asking a series of questions. Dr. Gaskill may recommend you undergo blood tests or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out medical problems.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

Common treatments for PTSD include:

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do at home to reduce PTSD symptoms include getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and not smoking, drinking, or using drugs.

Therapy

Psychotherapy helps you learn ways to overcome PTSD. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Exposure therapy allows you to safely face traumatic memories and situations, while EMDR combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements to help you better process trauma.

Medications

If other treatments haven’t worked to relieve PTSD symptoms, Dr. Gaskill may suggest you try medications.

Don’t live with unbearable PTSD symptoms when effective treatments are within reach. Call Dr. Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., to schedule an appointment or book one online today.