Our Services / PTSD

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition that develops in certain people after they go through a traumatic or distressing experience. Though often associated with military combat, PTSD may develop from any number of distressing situations, such as:

• Childhood neglect
• Abuse
• Racism
• An accident
• Natural disaster
• Personal tragedy
• Violence

Any one of these distressing situations causes a sense of fear and insecurity. However, not everyone who goes through trauma will develop PTSD. 

People with PTSD feel fear and anxiety following their trauma. But instead of their symptoms getting better, their symptoms get worse, interfering with their daily life. 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Mental health professionals like Mr. Darden classify PTSD symptoms into four categories. For a PTSD diagnosis, you must have symptoms from all four categories, though the severity of these symptoms may vary.

Intrusion

Intrusion symptoms of PTSD refer to flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the distressing experience.

Avoidance

With avoidance symptoms, people with PTSD work hard at avoiding people, places, or situations that remind them of the event. In the case of a car accident, for example, the person may take a new route to work.

Alterations in cognition and mood

Alterations in cognition and mood symptoms include having a hard time remembering details of the event, having feelings of guilt or shame, or thinking negatively about yourself. 

Alterations in arousal and reactivity

Being easily startled, having a temper, or behaving in a reckless manner are examples of PTSD alterations in arousal and reactivity.

What happens during a PTSD evaluation?

Mr. Darden takes a patient-centered approach to care and conducts a thorough evaluation during your PTSD telehealth evaluation. He asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and mental health history.

Mr. Darden also evaluates your physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being to better understand your current emotional state. 

What types of treatments can help PTSD?

At JD Wellness, LLC, Mr. Darden takes an integrated approach to mental health. Treatment for PTSD may include a combination of medication management and therapy.

Medication management

Mr. Darden works closely with you to find the right psychiatric medication to ease your symptoms. He talks to you about the subtle differences in these medications and how they work. 

When starting a new prescription, Mr. Darden schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor symptoms and side effects.

Therapy

Mr. Darden customizes PTSD therapy. Treatment recommendations may include one-on-one talk therapy or specific therapeutic techniques such as exposure therapy (gradual exposure to the trauma) or cognitive restructuring (helping you make sense of your negative thoughts).

PTSD is a serious mental health condition, but help is available within reach. To schedule a telehealth appointment for PTSD, call JD Wellness, LLC, or book online today.