PTSD

Undergoing a traumatic life event can leave long-lasting, debilitating effects when not addressed. At DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC in Oak Park, Skokie, Hinsdale, and Wheaton, Illinois, the outstanding behavioral health team diagnoses and treats post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to reduce crippling symptoms and balance your emotions. Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is PTSD?

PTSD, also called post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition that affects your mental health and well-being. It stems from undergoing a traumatic life event, such as abuse, military combat, or being a first responder. PTSD can become worrisome, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts, substance misuse, and a poor quality of life. 

See the DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC team if PTSD prevents you from being happy or productive.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD can cause the following symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Continuous worry or fear
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Thoughts of suicide
• Problems sleeping
• Always being on guard for danger
• Panic attacks
• Weight loss or weight gain

PTSD often interferes with relationships with family and friends, grades at school, or your performance at work. 

What are common PTSD risk factors?

Numerous traumatic experiences may lead to PTSD over time. Examples include:

• Loss of a loved one
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Being in military combat
• Having a job as a first responder
• Being in a car accident or natural disaster
• Being robbed or attacked
• Getting critically injured
• Witnessing violence 

What is considered traumatic varies from person to person. Not all trauma leaves lasting effects, but PTSD is common after trauma.

How does my specialist diagnose PTSD?

A mental health evaluation by the DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC team screens you for PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions associated with past trauma. Your therapist meets with you in person or virtually to discuss your lifestyle, mental health history, past life events, medications, and treatment preferences.

DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC offers GeneSight® testing to determine which medicines are the best match (likely the most effective) based on your genes. 

How is PTSD treated?

Your personalized PTSD treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Psychotherapy
• Oral medications  
• Intravenous (IV) ketamine
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Spravato® nasal spray
• Lifestyle counseling

Meet with your therapist individually or as a couple, group, or family to overcome PTSD symptoms and get your life back on track. It’s common to participate in therapy for about an hour weekly or as needed. 

Follow up with the DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC team until you complete treatment, and call the office any time with questions. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth PTSD evaluation at DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.