Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When Trauma Continues Long After the Event
Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops when the nervous system remains stuck in survival mode long after a traumatic experience has ended. Trauma can fundamentally change how your brain processes safety, memory, and threat—often without your conscious control. You may feel constantly on edge, emotionally numb, easily startled, or trapped in memories you did not choose to revisit.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness or failure to cope. It is a recognized psychiatric condition that can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, including healthcare workers, first responders, military members, survivors of abuse, accidents, medical trauma, or sudden loss. With appropriate treatment, meaningful recovery is possible.
Understanding Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD occurs when the brain’s fear and memory systems remain hyperactive after a traumatic event. Instead of the trauma being stored as a past experience, it continues to feel present—emotionally and physically.
PTSD may develop after:
Single‑incident trauma (accidents, assaults, medical emergencies)
Repeated or prolonged trauma
Childhood trauma or neglect
Occupational exposure (military, healthcare, emergency response)
Importantly, not everyone with PTSD experiences symptoms immediately. Some individuals function well for months or years before symptoms emerge—often triggered by stress, loss, or burnout.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories, though not everyone experiences all of them.
Re‑experiencing Symptoms
Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Nightmares related to the trauma
Emotional or physical distress when reminded of the event
Avoidance
Avoiding thoughts, conversations, or reminders of the trauma
Emotional withdrawal or numbing
Avoiding people, places, or situations that feel unsafe
Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking
Persistent guilt, shame, or self‑blame
Loss of interest in activities or relationships
Feeling detached from others
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
Hyperarousal and Reactivity
Hypervigilance or constant scanning for danger
Exaggerated startle response
Irritability or anger outbursts
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Many individuals with PTSD also experience overlapping conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic symptoms, or substance use concerns.
Causes and Risk Factors
PTSD develops from an interaction between trauma exposure and individual vulnerability. Contributing factors may include:
Severity and duration of the trauma
Lack of social support after the event
Prior trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Genetic and neurobiological vulnerability
Ongoing stress or unsafe environments
PTSD is not caused by personal weakness. It reflects how the brain adapts to overwhelming stress in order to survive.
How PTSD Is Diagnosed
PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, not through a single screening tool.
At Valiant Mental Health, diagnosis includes:
A detailed trauma‑informed clinical interview
Review of symptom patterns and duration
Assessment for co‑occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorders
Evaluation of sleep, mood regulation, and daily functioning
Accurate diagnosis is essential, as PTSD can be mistaken for primary anxiety or depressive disorders if trauma history is not fully explored.
Evidence‑Based Treatment Options for PTSD
Medication Management
Medication can play an important role in reducing PTSD symptoms, particularly when trauma responses interfere with sleep, emotional regulation, or daily functioning.
Rather than relying on a single medication approach, treatment is individualized using medication classes such as:
SSRIs and SNRIs to reduce re‑experiencing, mood symptoms, and hyperarousal
Sleep‑supportive medications for trauma‑related insomnia and nightmares
Adjunctive medications to target irritability, anxiety, or emotional reactivity
Medication does not erase trauma memories. Instead, it helps calm the nervous system so therapy and coping strategies can be effective.
For a broader understanding of psychiatric medication approaches, you may also explore our Medication Management services by clicking here.
Therapy and Trauma‑Informed Care
For most individuals, the most effective PTSD treatment involves trauma‑focused therapy, often combined with medication.
Therapy may help you:
Process traumatic memories safely
Reduce avoidance behaviors
Rebuild a sense of control and safety
Develop skills for emotional regulation
Medication supports this work by decreasing symptom intensity and improving sleep, concentration, and emotional stability. If you seeking therapy, click here.
How Medication Management Helps With PTSD
Thoughtful medication management is especially important in trauma‑related conditions.
At Valiant Mental Health, medication management for PTSD includes:
Conservative, symptom‑targeted prescribing
Close monitoring for side effects and effectiveness
Adjustments based on functional improvement—not just symptom counts
Coordination with trauma‑focused therapy when appropriate
The goal is to help your nervous system recover—not to suppress or invalidate your experiences.
Telepsychiatry for Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many individuals with PTSD prefer telepsychiatry due to privacy concerns, avoidance symptoms, or difficulty attending in‑person visits.
Telepsychiatry is effective for:
Initial PTSD evaluations
Ongoing medication management
Long‑term treatment and follow‑up
Valiant Mental Health offers secure telepsychiatry across multiple states, allowing you to receive consistent, trauma‑informed care from a familiar provider.
You can learn more about how care is delivered through Telepsychiatry, click here.
How Valiant Mental Health Supports You
At Valiant Mental Health, we approach PTSD with respect, collaboration, and clinical expertise.
You receive:
Trauma‑informed psychiatric care
Evidence‑based medication management
A collaborative, patient‑centered approach
Telehealth options designed to support safety and consistency
Healing from trauma takes time, but effective treatment can help you regain control, stability, and a sense of safety.
How Valiant Mental Health Helps Treat PTSD
If you’re struggling with PTSD, you don’t have to figure out the next steps on your own. At Valiant Mental Health, we take a practical, evidence-based approach to care—focused on helping you feel better and function better over time.
Your care plan is individualized and may include one or more of the following:
Medication Management
When appropriate, medication can play an important role in treating PTSD. We focus on careful evaluation, thoughtful medication selection, and ongoing monitoring to balance symptom relief with side effects. Medication decisions are collaborative and adjusted based on how you respond—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
👉 Learn more about our Medication Management
Therapy
Many people benefit from therapy alongside or instead of medication. Evidence-based therapies—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and related approaches—can help you develop skills to manage symptoms, reduce distress, and improve daily functioning. We work with you to determine whether therapy, medication, or a combination is the best fit.
👉 Learn more about our Therapy Services
Telepsychiatry
Care should be accessible. We offer secure telepsychiatry appointments so you can receive high-quality psychiatric care from the comfort of your home. Telepsychiatry allows for flexible scheduling and continuity of care without sacrificing clinical quality.
👉 Learn more about Telepsychiatry
Whether you’re newly seeking help or looking for a better treatment approach, our goal is to support you with clear guidance, professional expertise, and compassionate care—every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Q: What causes PTSD?
A: PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as accidents, violence, or military combat.
Q: What are common symptoms of PTSD?
A: Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, avoidance of triggers, and difficulty with sleep or concentration.
Q: How is PTSD treated?
A: Evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused therapy (like CBT or EMDR) and medication management for symptoms like anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Telepsychiatry can help access care from home.
Ready to Begin?
👉 Request an Appointment »
👉 Learn More About Medication Management »
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You don’t have to leave home to start feeling better. Let’s take that first step together.
This page is intended for educational purposes and does not replace a professional psychiatric evaluation.
