PTSD Specialist

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition that occurs because of a high-stress, traumatic life situation. Examples include military combat, a car accident, physical or emotional abuse, childhood trauma, being assaulted, or a natural disaster. PTSD symptoms are often unpleasant and can feel crippling in many cases.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Common symptoms you could experience because of PTSD include:

• Avoiding situations that trigger symptoms
• Fear and worry
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Distressing, recurrent memories
• Reliving traumatic events
• Emotional distress
• Hopelessness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory problems
• Loss of interest
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Getting startled or frightened easily 
• Always being on guard 

You might struggle with sleep disturbances or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol because of PTSD. It can negatively impact your job and interpersonal relationships.

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

The main risk factor for developing PTSD is undergoing a traumatic experience. Other factors that increase your chance of debilitating symptoms include ongoing stress, anxiety, depression, and alcohol or drug misuse. The lack of a strong social support network and family history of mental health struggles may boost your chance of worsening or severe symptoms.

How does my doctor diagnose PTSD?

Dr. Phillips can diagnose PTSD after discussing your symptoms and medical history with you. She asks a series of questions during a psychiatric assessment to evaluate your emotional health. Dr. Phillips also offers cognitive tests and genetic testing when necessary.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

Your PTSD treatment plan might include medications, including at-home ketamine therapy, psychotherapy, making lifestyle changes, or combinations of these treatments. Dr. Phillips personalizes each mental health solution to best match your needs, and she always gives you a voice in your care.

She offers cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, exposure therapy, and other types of virtual psychotherapy to help you overcome difficult situations and distressing memories.

Get regular exercise, avoid alcohol and drug misuse, get plenty of sleep, and eat nutritious foods. If you need medications, take them exactly as directed by Dr. Phillips.

To find out if you have PTSD or get treated for it, call the PhillWell office, or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.