PTSD

If flashbacks, ongoing fear, or nightmares associated with past trauma haunt you, help is available at Colorado Cares Psychiatry in Denver, Colorado. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Carrie Radding, PMHNP-APN, and her team treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to help you overcome mental health challenges after trauma. Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation by phone or request one online today.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after you experience a traumatic event. Characterized by flashbacks and nightmares, PTSD can be crippling and prevent you from thriving when not addressed. See your mental health specialist if you have problems overcoming worrisome PTSD symptoms and desire a better quality of life.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD can cause the following symptoms:

• Ongoing worry
• Debilitating fear
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems sleeping
• Being startled easily
• Distressing or intrusive thoughts
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance misuse
• Relationship challenges
• Poor work or school performance
• Thoughts of suicide
• Always being on guard

Treating PTSD with the help of the Colorado Cares Psychiatry team can dramatically improve your well-being in many ways.

What increases my risk of PTSD?

Numerous factors may contribute to troublesome PTSD symptoms, including:

• Military combat
• Natural disasters
• Being a first responder
• Automobile accidents
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Witnessing violence
• Loss of a loved one

Any event, person, or place that causes distress can lead to PTSD. Its symptoms vary from mild to extreme when not treated.

How does my specialist diagnose PTSD?

The Colorado Cares Psychiatry team diagnoses PTSD after discussing your symptoms, emotions, mood, behavior patterns, thoughts, and more during a psychiatric evaluation. Before customizing a treatment plan, they ask about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and medications. 

GeneSight® testing allows your specialist to establish the most appropriate medication regimen based on your genes.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

Therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes are the most common treatments for PTSD. 

Your Colorado Cares Psychiatry provider can meet with you in person or virtually via telepsychiatry for counseling sessions. They offer individualized, couples, family, and group therapy.

You might undergo cognitive therapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing, exposure therapy, or additional forms of highly effective therapy. Meet with your provider weekly or as needed to overcome problematic PTSD symptoms. 

Take any medications as directed, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, try stress-reduction techniques, and have a strong social support network in place. Call the Colorado Cares Psychiatry office at any time with questions or concerns regarding your PTSD treatment.

Schedule an in-person or virtual PTSD evaluation at Colorado Cares Psychiatry by phone or request one online today.