PTSD Specialist

Institute For Advanced Psychiatry

Psychiatrists & TMS Specialists located in Fort Worth, TX

It’s normal to experience fear and anxiety in the face of danger, but when these feelings continue to affect you after the initial threat has passed, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatrist Diana Ghelber, MD, treats PTSD in patients of all ages at the Institute for Advanced Psychiatry in Fort Worth & Granbury, Texas. If you or a loved one suffers from PTSD, call the Institute for Advanced Psychiatry.

817-659-7344

PTSD Q & A

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who experience or witness a terrifying event. Examples of events that may trigger PTSD include:

War/combat
Natural disasters
Bad accidents
Acts of violence
Rape or other personal assault
Sudden, unexpected death of a loved one

When you have PTSD, the stress and fear associated with these events continue even though you’re no longer in danger.

Most of the time, PTSD symptoms begin within three months after the frightening experience. In some cases, symptoms can take years to develop.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD causes a wide range of symptoms that fall into four main categories:

Reexperiencing symptoms

These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive, frightening thoughts that make you feel like you’re reliving the trauma over and over. Reexperiencing symptoms may result from your own thoughts or they may be triggered by something that reminds you of the event.

Avoidance symptoms

Avoidance symptoms include staying away from places or objects that remind you of the traumatic event as well as avoiding thoughts or feelings related to it.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

These symptoms tend to be constant rather than triggered by a particular thought, place, or object. Arousal symptoms include feeling tense and edgy, difficulty sleeping, and having anger outbursts.

Cognition and mood symptoms

Cognition and mood symptoms can make you feel isolated and detached from family and friends. These symptoms include loss of interest in pleasurable activities, distorted feelings of guilt or blame, and difficulty remembering things.

How is PTSD treated?

First, Dr. Ghelber performs a physical exam and psychological evaluation to confirm your PTSD diagnosis. Then, she works with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you regain control over your life.

If your PTSD occurs with another problem, such as depression or substance abuse, Dr. Ghelber addresses that as well.

Treatment for PTSD usually includes medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If your symptoms continue to interfere with your normal routine despite repeated attempts at treatment, Dr. Ghelber may recommend ketamine infusion therapy.

To find relief from PTSD, call the Institute for Advanced Psychiatry today.

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