What PTSD is
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a serious threat: violence, accidents, robberies, disasters, severe illness or the sudden death of someone close. Not everyone exposed develops it; individual factors and support play a role.
Signs and symptoms
- Re-experiencing: intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling the event is happening again
- Avoidance of places, people, conversations and thoughts linked to the trauma
- Changes in mood and thinking: guilt, fear, detachment, difficulty feeling positive emotions
- Hyperarousal: being easily startled, irritability, insomnia, poor concentration, a constant sense of danger
How it is diagnosed
The psychiatrist assesses the event, the duration and intensity of symptoms and their impact. The assessment respects the patient’s pace: you do not need to describe every detail at the first appointment. Depression, anxiety, insomnia and alcohol or drug use, which often accompany PTSD, are also evaluated.
Treatment
- Trauma-focused psychotherapies, the foundation of treatment
- Medication, when indicated, for anxiety, insomnia, nightmares and depression
- Sleep care and gradual return to avoided activities
When to see a psychiatrist
If, more than a month after the event, symptoms remain intense, you avoid important situations, or sleep, work and relationships are affected. Thoughts of death need immediate help: in Brazil, call 188 (CVV).
Follow-up at the practice
At the practice in Campinas, Dr. Petrus Raulino conducts the assessment discreetly and at the patient’s pace, defines the treatment plan and, when needed, coordinates with trauma-focused psychotherapy.
Staging: text awaiting medical review by Dr. Petrus before publishing.
This content is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an individual assessment. In crisis or having thoughts of suicide? In Brazil call 188 (CVV, 24 hours, free) or go to the nearest emergency room. In an emergency, call 192 (SAMU).