PTSD

Trauma from abuse, neglect, and other events can stay with you for years and increase your risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Brighter Life Psychiatry, diagnostic PTSD evaluations are available for adults and children. Crystal Adkins, MSN, APRN, APN-C, PMHNP-BC, takes a patient-centered approach to identifying your trauma triggers and designs a treatment plan to stabilize your mental and emotional health. Crystal uses a combination of psychotherapy and medications, so you can live life free of flashbacks, anxiety, and other PTSD symptoms. Call the Coral Springs, Florida, office today to schedule a PTSD evaluation or book an appointment online.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in some people after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as:

• Abuse
• Neglect
• Violence
• Car accident
• Military combat
• Natural disaster
• Death of a loved one

Symptoms of PTSD can develop in the weeks, months, or years after the event and range in severity.

Brighter Life Psychiatry provides compassionate, patient-centered PTSD care for adults and children. Crystal takes an empathetic approach to managing the frequency and severity of your symptoms, so you can live without excessive fears and anxiety.

When should I seek medical attention for PTSD?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Brighter Life Psychiatry if you or your child experience symptoms of PTSD after physical or emotional trauma. These symptoms can include:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Intrusive or negative thoughts
• Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
• Difficulties concentrating

PTSD might also cause a tendency to withdraw from others and avoid people, places, and events that trigger memories of traumatic experiences.

In severe cases, PTSD symptoms can contribute to thoughts or actions of self-harm or suicide. If you’re thinking about harming yourself or others, call 988 to speak to someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Crystal offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to assess your PTSD symptoms. She can also identify anxiety, depression, and other conditions that a traumatic experience might trigger.

How is PTSD treated?

Brighter Life Psychiatry provides personalized care plans for adults and children that focus on managing existing PTSD symptoms. Crystal also works closely with you to prevent your condition from getting worse.

Available PTSD treatment options include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that helps you explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe space. Crystal provides therapeutic resources you can use to manage your fears and calm intrusive thoughts, so you can enjoy a happier and healthier life.

Medications

Prescription antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can relieve persistent PTSD symptoms like anxiousness, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks.

Crystal continues to assess your success with treatment and can adjust your dosage as needed. She offers ongoing therapy sessions to help you keep PTSD symptoms well-controlled.

Call Brighter Life Psychiatry today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for PTSD symptoms or book an appointment online.