Understanding PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can affect men and women of any age. Most commonly, we hear about PTSD in regards to military personnel. In fact, PTSD can affect anyone who has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event; rape, war, death, bombing, kidnapping, etc. This disorder can cause an individual to have flashbacks to an event, sever depression, extreme anxiety, difficulty sleeping, etc. Men and women who experience PTSD do not often seek professional help, but a psychiatrist in Gaithersburg can help these individuals regain a sense of normalcy through professional counseling services.

PTSD is much more common than many people would think. There are an estimated (because many do not seek treatment) 7.8 million men, women, and children who suffer from PTSD. It is also believed that more than ½ of US soldiers who have been exposed to war, death, and/or destruction will develop some form of PTSD while actively deployed or once they have returned to US soil. One of the main things to remember about PTSD is that it is not always an immediate result of traumatic events. Many people who suffer from PTSD do not begin noticing symptoms until week, months, or years after the initial event.

The most common symptoms that are associated with PTSD often disrupt normal life. Reliving trauma can cause an individual extreme stress and agitation. The emotional consequences can be numerous; sleep difficulties, lack of concentration, avoidance of people and places, withdrawal from everyday life, depression, etc. Individuals who is suffering from PTSD does not have to go through it alone. With the help of a qualified and skilled psychiatrist in Gaithersburg, MD, men and women now have a chance at regaining normalcy in their lives. When you or a loved one is suffering unnecessarily, contact Kentlands Psychotherapy to set up an appointment. Our staff can help.