Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing a very traumatic or life-threatening event such as but not limited to: combat, sexual assault or rape, physical attack, motor vehicle accident, robbery, injury, and natural or man-made disaster.
PTSD can result from (1) actual experiencing the traumatic event, (2) witnessing a traumatic event involving another person, or (3) learning of a traumatic event of a family member or close associate. Symptoms commonly include:
- Persistent re-experiencing of the event through memories or nightmares
- Avoidance of places or situations that remind them of the trauma
- General increased arousal like sleeplessness
- Uncharacteristic irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Physical and/or emotional withdrawal from others.
At IBBMed we have an integrative approach to treatment of PTSD, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure therapy), medications to treat specific symptoms, meditation, relaxation training and yoga.