PTSD

Have you experienced a traumatic event that negatively affects your mental health? At Ascension Psychiatric Services in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC, Anthony J. Hall, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, offers evaluations and treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Don’t be trapped by the past. Schedule a telemedicine appointment at Ascension Psychiatric Services by phone or book one online today.

What is PTSD?

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a common mental health condition that may develop after experiencing a traumatic life event, such as a car accident or natural disaster. PTSD can cause fear and often accompanies other mental health struggles, such as depression and anxiety. Getting treated for PTSD can improve your life in many ways.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

The symptoms of PTSD often include:

• Getting startled easily
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear or worry
• Always being on guard
• Thoughts of suicide
• Distressing thoughts and memories
• Avoiding certain situations, people, or places
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Lack of interest in favorite activities

When left untreated, PTSD makes it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, and it may interfere with your job or school.

What are the common causes of PTSD?

Trauma is a common cause of PTSD. You might experience it because of:

• Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse
• Bullying
• Military combat
• Being a first responder
• Car accidents
• Natural disasters
• Other types of trauma

If you suspect you have PTSD or another mental health challenge, meet with Anthony via telemedicine at Ascension Psychiatric Services for an evaluation. 

How is PTSD diagnosed?

To see if you have PTSD, Anthony reviews your medical history and symptoms. He asks about your lifestyle habits, thoughts, behaviors, and mood. He also provides genetic testing to determine which medicines, if any, match your genetic makeup and personalized needs. Anthony then tailors a treatment plan just for you. 

What is the treatment for PTSD?

To properly manage PTSD, Anthony often recommends lifestyle changes, medication management, and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other forms of therapy can reduce bothersome PTSD symptoms and get your life back on track.

You can follow up with Anthony virtually via telehealth for therapy sessions and prescription medication refills. It’s important to keep stress levels low using stress-reducing techniques, get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, and have a strong social support network in place.

To find out if you have PTSD and get treated for it, schedule an appointment at Ascension Psychiatric Services by phone or book one online today.