PTSD

If a traumatic experience continues to affect how you feel and function every day, turn to Blue Water Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners Justin McKinley, PMHNP-BC, Susan Bowen, PMHNP-BC, and their experienced staff offer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments to help you gain control of your thoughts and behaviors. To schedule a consultation, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a common type of anxiety disorder that may develop after you undergo a traumatic life experience. If symptoms like depression, anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares don’t resolve on their own over time, see the Blue Water Psychiatry team for an evaluation. They offer empathetic support and expert treatments to those struggling with PTSD symptoms. 

What are the common symptoms of PTSD?

The common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Constant fear, and worry
• Getting startled easily
• Always being on guard
• Difficulty sleeping
• Distressing memories
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Hopelessness 

The earlier you seek treatment for PTSD, the faster you can find the healing you need to move forward in your life. Symptoms of PTSD may worsen over time if left untreated. 

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

Past trauma is the main risk factor for developing PTSD. You could have PTSD symptoms after:

• Losing a loved one
• Being a first responder
• Experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
• Participating in military combat
• Being in a car accident or a natural disaster

Your PTSD risk also increases with a family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

To find out if you have PTSD and to treat it properly, the Blue Water Psychiatry team completes a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits. If you have depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition in addition to PTSD, the team can make sure to treat any co-existing conditions.  

How is PTSD treated?

The common treatments for PTSD include:

Exposure therapy
Exposure to PTSD triggers over time helps gradually improve the way you respond to situations associated with uncomfortable memories. 

Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR uses specialized eye movements to help you overcome distressing thoughts and emotions. 

Medicines
Blue Water Psychiatry offers medication management to alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with PTSD. They can also prescribe medications for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. 

Psychotherapy
The Blue Water Psychiatry team also provides exceptional psychotherapy, or talk therapy, to help you overcome uncomfortable PTSD symptoms.

To find a PTSD treatment option that best suits your needs, call Blue Water Psychiatry or book a consultation online today.