PTSD

Experiencing a traumatic incident can sometimes lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a distressing and disabling mental health condition. At Mesquite Valley Integrated Health in Mesa, Arizona, our providers deliver a holistic approach to PTSD treatment using the most effective conventional and complementary therapies. If you need help overcoming PTSD, call Mesquite Valley Integrated Health today and schedule a consultation or book an appointment using the online form.

What is PTSD?

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can affect you if you experience or witness a traumatic event. PTSD closely correlates with war zones and combat personnel involved in armed conflicts. However, anyone can develop PTSD at any age and in any walk of life.

Some common PTSD triggers include:

• Severe auto accidents
• Terrorist attacks
• Personal assaults
• Floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters
• Being trapped in a burning building
• Air, rail, and sea transportation disasters
• Mass shootings

Most of these traumas last hours or days — some only minutes. People who endure ongoing trauma (such as emotional abuse) for an extended period can develop complex PTSD, which has the same symptoms but more complicated causes.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD affects each person slightly differently, but symptoms typically fall into one of four groupings:

Negative thoughts

People with PTSD experience many negative emotions, from horror and anger to depression and guilt. You might find you don’t trust anyone and withdraw from family and friends. Many patients feel they should have died or deserve to feel tortured by the event.

Intrusive thoughts

Vivid nightmares are common when you have PTSD. They can be so terrifying or distressing that you feel afraid to sleep. Flashbacks are a particular feature of PTSD, where something takes you back to your trauma, and you feel like you’re living through it again. These experiences can lead to panic attacks, where you suddenly have an overwhelming loss of control.

Avoidance behaviors

Flashbacks and panic attacks are often intensely distressing, so you avoid anything that could trigger one. You might stop seeing people who remind you of your trauma and avoid places and activities that bring up bad memories. People with PTSD often find it difficult to talk about their trauma because it worsens their symptoms.

Heightened arousal

Irritability, lack of patience, angry outbursts, and other emotional states are common in people with PTSD. Heightened arousal can also lead to self-destructive behavior, substance abuse, and risk-taking.

What treatments are available for PTSD?

The Mesquite Valley Integrated Health team designs a treatment plan for your PTSD that they customize to your needs. Following a comprehensive evaluation, they may recommend some of the following therapies:

• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Antidepressant medication
• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Alpha-Stim® electrotherapy
• HeartMath® training
• Ketamine therapy

Complementary therapies such as mindfulness, meditation, biofeedback, and IV (intravenous) infusions could also help you relax, ease your distress, and improve your general health.

Call Mesquite Valley Integrated Health today to get the help you need for PTSD. You can also easily book an appointment online.