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PTSD

PTSD services offered in New York, NY


Trauma affects everyone differently, and some people have a hard time recovering and develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects your emotional and physical well-being, making it hard to manage your day-to-day life. Board-certified psychiatrist David Kraus, MD, at Fifth Ave Psychiatry, PLLC, in the Flatiron District of Manhattan in New York City, provides complete PTSD care. For PTSD help, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or life-threatening event.

It’s normal to feel more afraid and on edge after a traumatic experience. But these symptoms should gradually ease.

With PTSD, the fear and anxiety continue and worsen, leading to other symptoms that affect daily life. 

Who is at risk of developing PTSD?

Anyone can develop PTSD. However, it doesn’t affect everyone who experiences trauma. Factors that raise one’s risk of developing PTSD include:

  • Surviving a dangerous event
  • Getting hurt or seeing someone else hurt
  • Having little support following the trauma
  • Needing to manage other life stressors after the traumatic event
  • Having a history of mental illness

You don’t have to experience a life-threatening event to have PTSD. Some people develop this mental health condition after hearing about a friend or family member going through a traumatic situation. The unforeseen death of a family member or friend can trigger PTSD.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

In most cases, PTSD symptoms appear within three months of the traumatic event. However, it’s not unusual for PTSD to develop years after the trauma.

PTSD symptoms vary but fall into four specific categories:

Re-experiencing symptoms

People with PTSD have flashbacks, nightmares, and/or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event.

Avoidance symptoms

When struggling with PTSD, you avoid places, activities, or people that remind you of the trauma.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

Being easily startled or quick to anger are arousal and reactivity symptoms. These symptoms are constant.

Cognition and mood symptoms

Cognition and mood symptoms include difficulty remembering details of the event and negative thoughts about yourself or your environment. It also includes feeling guilt, shame, or disinterest in activities that once brought you joy.

How is PTSD treated?

Treating PTSD includes psychotherapy, medication, or both. Dr. Kraus conducts a thorough evaluation when you first visit Fifth Ave Psychiatry, PLLC, for help with PTSD so that he can customize your treatment plan.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy for PTSD varies. You could benefit from one-on-one therapy that focuses on your symptoms or therapy that helps you manage problems affected by your PTSD, like your work or relationships.

Behavioral health medication management

Behavioral health medication management includes medications that manage PTSD symptoms. Dr. Kraus works closely with you, helping you find the proper medication and dose to reduce your symptoms while you go through therapy.

PTSD is a severe mental health condition that causes psychological distress. To get help, call Fifth Ave Psychiatry, PLLC, or schedule an appointment online today.