PTSD & Trauma

 

Millions of people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the past year, PTSD affected an estimated 3.6 percent of all U.S. adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Adult females had a higher past-year prevalence of PTSD (5.2 percent) than did males (1.8 percent).

But what, exactly, is PTSD? What are its causes? And, most importantly, what can be done about it?

At our center we understand the disabling and often terrifying aspects of this disorder. PTSD can erode well-being and inhibit and paralyze a person’s ability to function in the world.

The Center is equipped to utilize both psychiatric and holistic medical tools — including psychotherapy, stress-reduction techniques, medication, and biofeedback — to develop coping techniques to manage symptoms.

Be sure to contact Dr Lowenstein today at 503-601-7004 so that we may begin exploring treatment options.

Now, let’s examine some of the details of PTSD.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

The Mayo Clinic offers a good definition on its website: “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.”

One of the reasons PTSD is so prevalent in society is because, as the NIMH reports, “about one-half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives.” Symptoms include “strong and unwanted memories of the (traumatic) event, bad dreams, emotional numbness, intense guilt or worry, angry outbursts, feeling ‘on edge,’ and avoiding thoughts and situations that are reminders of the trauma.”

NIMH cautions that “not every traumatized person develops ongoing (chronic) or even short-term (acute) PTSD. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event.”

Although popular culture often depicts it as being limited to combat veterans, PTSD can affect anyone who has been through trauma, such as a violent encounter, sexual assault or a traffic accident.

It’s common to have PTSD-like symptoms after experiencing trauma (often referred to as acute stress disorder or shock), only those cases in which symptoms, dysfunction, and stress persist for more than one month after trauma are clinically classified as PTSD.

In 1980, PTSD was added to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

PTSD Treatment at the Center

The Center for Human Holistics specializes in stress-related illness and welcomes children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Dr. Keith Lowenstein has more than 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry, nutrition, integrative holistic medicine, and alternative therapies.

We can help PTSD patients create and maintain a lifestyle of wellness and prevention to achieve optimal health and vitality. We have the skill and the long-term experience to find an integrated personal approach that will work for you. For example, we’ve found that auricular acupuncture can be used in conjunction with PTSD therapy for military veterans.

Contact Dr Lowenstein today at 503-601-7004 so that we may begin our initial consultation process. Dr. Lowenstein addresses both the physical and mental health needs of his patients and works with each individual to develop a unique wellness plan.