PTSD

About 6 in 100 people in the United States suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime. At HC Mental Health & Wellness in Florida, and DC, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Hawley Campbell, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, offers PTSD treatments that help you overcome flashbacks, nightmares, and other distressing symptoms. Schedule a telehealth PTSD evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.  

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder caused by trauma. It occurs in some people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, such as war or a natural disaster. 

Treatment at HC Mental Health & Wellness can help reduce distressing memories and other symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, and fear. See Hawley if you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you have PTSD.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD can contribute to the following symptoms and more:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Unwanted and recurring memories of trauma
• Fear
• Constantly being on guard
• Being startled easily
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Substance misuse
• Distressing thoughts
• Avoiding triggers of past trauma
• Not wanting to talk about a traumatic experience
• Guilt, shame, or anger
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Social detachment
• Risky or destructive behaviors
• Constant sadness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Loss of interest in favorite things

Some people with PTSD also experience anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorder, insomnia, or similar mental health conditions. 

What might contribute to PTSD?

The following are examples of traumatic experiences that may contribute to PTSD:

• Being a first responder
• Military combat
• Witnessing or being a victim of violence
• Natural diasters
• Car accidents
• Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
• Childhood neglect
• Being robbed or attacked
• Sudden or severe illnesses
• Death of a loved one

Anything that’s traumatic for you could potentially cause PTSD symptoms. Treatment at HC Mental Health & Wellness can offer peace of mind. 

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Hawley uses DSM-5 criteria to complete a psychiatric evaluation and assess your emotions, past trauma, moods, thoughts, and behaviors. She also discusses your current medications, lifestyle, and goals. HC Mental Health & Wellness uses GeneSight® genetic testing to learn which medications may be the most effective based on your genetic makeup. 

How is PTSD treated?

Your personalized PTSD treatment plan might consist of undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), supportive therapy, and/or group therapy. 

Hawley also offers medication management to ease bothersome symptoms and help you fully recover from PTSD. She follows up to ensure effective and long-lasting outcomes.

It’s also helpful to adopt healthy habits. Consider maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying active, eating nutritious foods, avoiding drugs and alcohol, prioritizing social support, and trying yoga, meditation, massage, or tai chi. 

Schedule a virtual PTSD evaluation at HC Mental Health & Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.