Trauma and PTSD In Tennessee
Trauma therapy in Chattanooga, TN, allows the management of post-traumatic stress disorder and the adverse effects inflicted on individuals with the diagnosis. In addition, traumatic events produce recurring images, feelings, and thoughts in the minds of those who experience them and trigger unpleasant symptoms. The symptoms of PTSD can have challenging and adverse effects on every aspect of life. Fortunately, researchers have found effective and evidence-based therapies to manage this mental condition.
Traumatic events elicit intense feelings of fear to initiate the fight-or-flight response in the body. For example, a fight-or-flight response is a defensive reaction that assists in avoiding or responding to danger or trauma. Anyone who experiences trauma may continue to have high stress and a fearful disposition throughout everyday life. Ultimately, triggers that are reminders of aspects of the trauma produce the intense symptoms of PTSD that require management through trauma therapy in Chattanooga, TN.
Signs And Symptoms of PTSD
Risk factors and exposure to trauma(s) are significant factors in diagnosing PTSD. For example, trauma therapy in Chattanooga, TN, can explain how avoidance, arousal, reactivity, and re-experiencing factors connected to the trauma can be significant in a diagnosis. Those with PTSD find it challenging to control the following cognitions and behaviors. Before an individual can receive the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, the following requirements must be present for at least one month:
- A minimum of one re-experiencing symptom
- A minimum of one avoidance symptom
- The minimum of two arousal and reactivity symptoms
- The minimum of two cognition and mood symptoms
Re-experiencing symptoms can include any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Dealing with flashbacks that relive the trauma and include the experience of physical symptoms of extreme fear
- Recurring memories, dreams, and thoughts with a connection to the trauma
- Uncontrollable upsetting or distressing thoughts
- Continual physical symptoms of stress
Reminders of a traumatic event, such as words, objects, or situations triggering uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, can initiate avoidance behaviors. This is an example of how PTSD can significantly affect daily life. Intense fearful thoughts force patients to change their routines to avoid any reminders of the trauma. Finally, avoidance behaviors can escalate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental conditions.
Avoidance symptoms can include:
- Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
Continued heightened anxiety can make individuals feel overly sensitive and responsive to their environment. Hyperarousal describes this intensely sensitive state. The feelings of hyperarousal are continual and often escalate to extreme stress and anger. Again, these signs and symptoms of PTSD interfere with fundamental factors of daily life, such as sleeping, eating, and concentration.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms can include any of the following behaviors associated with PTSD:
- Constant difficulties with focus and concentration
- Feeling extreme tension, guarded or on edge causing a strong startle effect
- Sleep disturbances
- Feelings of irritability, anger, and aggression
- Behavior that is risky, reckless or destructive
Feelings of detachment can worsen after a trauma, leading to isolation and withdrawal. Thoughts and moods can be volatile and uncontrollable, leading to desperation, depression, and anxiety. Trauma therapy in Chattanooga, TN, can help to identify and recognize individual signs and symptoms. Cognition and mood symptoms can include any of the following:
- Difficulty recalling significant elements of the trauma
- Obsessive negativity towards oneself or the world
- Irrational exaggerations including blaming oneself or others
- Continual feelings of fear, anger, guilt, or shame
- An inability to feel joy or happiness in life
- Social isolation and withdrawal
The Benefits of PTSD Inpatient Treatment
Trauma therapy in Chattanooga, TN, is a vital decision for those struggling with the overwhelming symptoms of PTSD. Taking two steps forward in recovery and five steps backward when triggers occur can feel self-defeating and negatively impact life. Inpatient treatment for PTSD reframes the trauma, builds a strong foundation for recovery, and allows healing to begin. While personally healing, patients can also work to rebuild relationships and other aspects of their life negatively affected by trauma.
Around-the-clock care is available to address vulnerabilities with the team, leading to a more supportive environment. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) can be a successful option for patients needing less care. Aftercare and additional unique treatment options can address individual concerns and needs. Trauma therapy in Chattanooga, TN, offers many options and combinations of therapy options for a successful recovery from PTSD and trauma.
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