When Is It Time To See A Psychiatrist For PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often linked to war veterans. However, this psychological condition is not exclusive to them. This mental illness can affect anyone who has encountered a severe stressor or has been through a traumatic experience.

An experienced trauma psychiatrist can employ several treatment methods to help people cope with PTSD and its debilitating symptoms.

Causes Of PTSD

The trigger of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a single terrifying event or a combination of many traumatic experiences. It could be:

• Domestic violence
• Childhood abuse
• A car accident that caused a serious injury or one that killed a family member
• Sexual assault or sexual violence
• An incident where an anxiety or panic attack was aggravated by another event or a person
• A diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety
• A natural disaster
• An abusive relationship

Signs And Symptoms Of PTSD

The combination of signs and symptoms of PTSD varies in each individual. The severity can also fluctuate over time.

What may induce a mild reaction one day may result in a severe reaction the next. This unpredictability has adverse effects on the daily life of people with PTSD. In general, the manifestations are:

• Flashbacks of bad memories
• Frequent nightmares of the traumatic event
• Memory loss of the traumatic event
• Emotional apathy
• Being easily startled
• Having an "exaggerated" response to related events
• Avoidance of people or situations that relate to the event
• Insomnia and other sleep problems
• Panic attacks
• Lack of interest in enjoyable activities
• A fast and pounding heartbeat
• Fainting
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Substance abuse
• Severe anxiety or depression

How To Diagnose PTSD

There are no specific diagnostic tests for PTSD. A mental health expert like a trauma psychiatrist is the best person to consult for a proper evaluation of the following:

• The traumatic event that caused PTSD
• The person's initial response
• Signs and symptoms that eventually developed
• How long the person has been experiencing the signs and symptoms of PTSD
• Coping mechanisms
• Support network

PTSD Treatment Options

Experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder signals the need for mental help, especially if they disrupt daily living activities. Most importantly, it is time to seek professional help when your thoughts and emotional responses, e.g., bouts of anger and thoughts of self-harm, become hard to control.

Your therapist will prescribe a treatment plan for you that may include one or a combination of the following:

Talk Therapy Or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This approach helps you recall the traumatic experience and express the emotions associated with it. Reliving the event may seem frightening, but a guided revisit with a mental health professional may help through desensitization.

As a result, you feel less "traumatized," and you experience less of the signs and symptoms. CBT can also help in identifying healthy coping techniques for triggers.

Pharmacologic Approach

Your doctor can prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or sleeping pills to help you cope with PTSD symptoms. Note that you should only take what is prescribed, in the dose, amount, and route prescribed.

Self-medication can create imbalances in your hormones. Some drugs negatively interact with others and with alcohol, leading to a fatal outcome.

Support Group

Like CBT, a support group provides a safe, comfortable atmosphere that allows you to revisit a past traumatic experience. You'll be among individuals who are also facing the ramifications of traumatic events, making the condition appear more manageable.

Connect With a Licensed Trauma Psychiatrist

Therapy and medication are proven and effective techniques that help people with PTSD cope with their symptoms.

A licensed and trained mental health provider can assist you through the healing process. Allow our team at Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health to assist you in your journey towards recovery. Give us a call today to book an appointment!

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How PTSD Progresses With Age

Medical experts refer to the phenomenon of overnight aging as Marie Antoinette Syndrome. However, this bizarre condition only scratches the surface of chronic psychological stress and its relationship with accelerated aging.

The Biological Science Behind PTSD And Aging

Chronic psychological stress leading to mental disorders is often linked to the early onset of age-related disease or premature death. But what about age affecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Let's explore the science behind these concepts.

Transcriptional Aging and PTSD

A 2021 study followed 324 individuals who served as responders to the World Trade Center attack and examined their RNA-Seq data. Mental health professionals concluded that the responders diagnosed with PTSD had accelerated methylation or transcriptional aging (p = 0.0077). In simpler words, an unresolved traumatic event can result in a decline in cellular function.

Telomere Erosion and PTSD

Another 2018 study supports this concept. It examined the cross-sectional association of PTSD with telomere length in women exposed to traumatic events common in civilian life. The conclusion indicated that the subjects who faced traumas have shorter telomere length, meaning their cells age more rapidly than those without the mental health disorder.

The Psychological Science Behind PTSD And Aging

While there is still more research to be done on the aggravating effect of psychological trauma on aging and cognitive effects, there are existing studies that already prove a connection. In these cases, the common subjects are military veterans.

Some practices, encounters, and unfortunate circumstances that happen as we age can also amplify PTSD symptoms. These risk factors include:

• Alcohol dependence
• Substance abuse
• Work-related stress
• Lack of exercise
• Unhealthy diet
• Broken friendships
• Heartbreak from former relationships
• Toxic relationships
• Excessive exposure to media
• Sexual assault

The same can be said for major life changes like the following:

• Physical changes that come with aging - As physical strength declines with age, safety and self-care may become more of a concern.
• Hormonal changes that come with age - As we become older, we also undergo hormonal changes that may affect our bodies.
• Retirement - Flashbacks of bad memories and childhood trauma can frequently come with increased downtime.
• Grief and loss - The death of a loved one can result in the loss of a significant support network and can put one through heightened emotions.
• Medical conditions - New diagnoses, mental illnesses, and hospitalizations can intensify the feeling of being vulnerable as well as symptoms of PTSD. For instance, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is directly related to PTSD.
• Changes in the living situation - Moving to a new town or home or changes in routine can disturb one's idea of safety and security.
• Cognitive decline - There is evidence that Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and PTSD can aggravate each other's symptoms.

The evidence above further establishes scientific findings that there is a great correlation between physical health and mental health. Whichever comes first, the manifestations should be addressed with proper treatment approaches.

Specifically for posttraumatic stress disorder, evidence-based treatments like exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy can be efficient. These treatments can help older adults struggling with PTSD and younger adults aiming to overcome traumatic experiences and go through the process of normal aging.

If you're looking for a trusted trauma psychiatrist for comprehensive mental health treatment, reach out to Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health. We provide geriatric psychiatry services in the form of telehealth and in-person consultations. Book an appointment with us today!

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4 Expectations For Your Psychiatric Sessions

Individuals who have never attended a psychotherapy session are unsure what to expect. There is no way to tell if the therapist will ask about their feelings or past or if they will be asked about their fears.

The truth is that each therapist uniquely approaches their first therapy session—with consideration to the presenting symptoms of the patient. We talk about realistic expectations for your psychiatric sessions below.

1. Waiting At The Reception Area

The first few minutes of your visit to a psychiatrist's office will be similar to any other healthcare appointment. After checking in with a receptionist, you will be asked to fill out forms and wait to be called.

2. Meeting Your Therapist

During your initial appointment, you and your psychiatrist will get to know each other. You won't be expected to expose your deepest fears, traumas, and secrets right away. Instead, you will be encouraged to talk about any information about yourself, such as your hobbies or what you do for work. You can also ask your psychiatrist about their credentials or interests. 

3. Talking About Your Condition

Your psychiatrist will want to know what led you to seek mental health treatment. They will discuss what you've written in the forms and your reported signs and symptoms. You'll have to tell them what measures or therapies you've tried before so they can determine whether they were successful or not. This will start the process of creating your treatment plan which you will be prescribed within a few more sessions.

4. Getting To Know Your Condition More Through Questions

Following the introduction to your condition, your psychiatrist will ask questions to get more details. The questions may go as follows:

• How is life at home?
• How is life in school or work?
• What do you want to get out of our sessions?
• Have you ever thought of self-harm?
• Who among the people around do you consider your most trusted person?

The questions asked during sessions are not only one-sided. You can also ask your psychiatrists:

• How should I prepare myself for our sessions?
• How in-depth is your experience with depression patients?
• Have you ever been to psychotherapy yourself?
• When would you have to break confidentiality?
• Are all of our topics during sessions confidential?

How To Prepare For Your Psychiatric Sessions

• Take it easy and be kind to yourself. Therapy will dive into deep-seated fears and emotions.
• Have a goal for each session. It doesn't have to be a huge decision. It can just be a small change about yourself.
• Know that therapy takes time. You need to attend a number of it before you can feel like you're on track. The American Psychological Association reports that mental health conditions usually need 15 to 20 sessions.

Check-in with yourself after your first therapy session. Consider how you felt about it and your therapist. This will determine if the next session would be with the same one or if you need to find another who is more suitable for you. Again, one session will not provide a cure. Keep in mind that therapy is a process and it will take a number of sessions before you start to feel its benefits.
At Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health, we can help you through in-person and telepsychiatry sessions. Inquire at our practice today or visit our Luminello page.

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5 Complications That Result From Anxiety And How To Avoid Them

Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are examples of anxiety. An extreme sense of worry and fear due to a frightening occurrence or stressor characterizes these. If left unmanaged, individuals diagnosed with such conditions may experience severe complications over time.

1. Physical Illness

Chronic stress and higher levels of anxiety compromise the immune system and increase the risk of developing illnesses such as:

• Frequent colds and other bacterial or viral infections
• Flu
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart condition

2. Depression

Anxiety and depression can occur together and have overlapping signs and symptoms like lack of drive, insomnia, and agitation. These two conditions have a cyclic relationship. When someone is experiencing the symptoms of depression, they may become anxious about how they are feeling. In contrast, someone may feel depressed most of the time because they are worried.

3. Substance Abuse

Anxiety disorder poses an increased risk for substance addiction. Media portrayals of alcoholism and drug abuse are not far from reality. There are people with anxiety disorders who relieve their worries and fears through excessive drinking, smoking, and medication intake.

4. Eating Disorders

Anxiety may also complicate eating disorders. People who worry all the time may find comfort in taking control of their food and weight, leading to vicious cases of binge eating, bulimia, or anorexia. Moreover, with the temporary increase in serotonin and dopamine, eating disorders can generate a pseudo-happy feeling.

5. Suicide

Given that anxiety and depression are comorbidities of each other, together they can aggravate and result in suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

Important: If you know someone who is in danger of hurting themselves:

• Do not leave the person alone and take away any potential weapon or sharp object inside the premises.
• Inform their loved ones so they can help you keep an eye on the person.
• If the person is already seeing an anxiety psychiatrist, contact the practice right away. An informed professional can provide you with proper guidance.
• Call the local suicide prevention hotline or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
• Call The Lifeline at 1-800-799-4889.
• Call 911

How To Avoid Anxiety Complications

Anxiety disorders can be treated through pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy. There are several practices that use traditional modalities in treatment, while incorporating new ones that best suit their patients.

Pharmacological Treatment

Anti-anxiety drugs take effect within half an hour to a full hour. They provide immediate relief for overwhelming anxiety or a panic attack by slowing down the nervous system. The most common prescriptions are antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)) and benzodiazepines like:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy aims to help an individual with anxiety to improve their emotional, physical, and social well-being. The most common methods are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
• Guided Self-Help
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Applied Relaxation Therapy

It's natural to worry from time to time, but when it becomes chronic and interferes with normal functioning.
Psychiatric and counseling services for anxiety disorders are available at Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health. Dr. Ronald Lee, our resident anxiety psychiatrist, will assess your condition and create a treatment plan to prevent complications. We conduct in-person and telehealth psychiatry. Book an appointment online or visit our Luminello page.

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How Depression Screening Works

Screening for depression can help diagnose the severity of the condition. It indicates the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and can offer a referral for further evaluation if required. We talk about how it works and why one may need it below.

How Depression Screening Works

Unless you have a pre-existing long-term physiologic illness, no preparation is usually needed for a depression screening. The risk is also low to non-existent, except for minor bruising on the site of blood extraction. The general process is as follows:

1. You will be asked to undergo a physical exam and take an assessment that will determine your sleeping habits, moods, feelings, and thoughts.
2. Your doctor may also require a blood test to rule out physiologic conditions like thyroid disease, diabetes, anemia, and kidney disease that could cause depression.
3. If you're already seeing a mental health professional like a depression psychiatrist, you may be interviewed or asked to fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms.

It's important to seek immediate treatment if you've been diagnosed with depression. The sooner you get therapy, the higher your chances of recovery will be. Although depression treatment can take a long time, most people who receive it eventually feel better.

If your doctor has diagnosed you with depression, you will be prescribed a treatment plan based on the type of depression and how severe it is:

• Major depression
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychotic depression
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Postpartum depression

Who Needs To Undergo Depression Screening?

If you have five or more of these common depression symptoms for more than two weeks, or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with work, school, or routine, you should see a doctor for a depression screening:

• An empty and extremely lonely feeling that persists
• Sleeping excessively
• Not being able to sleep or frequently having interrupted sleep
• Difficulty focusing or remembering
• Struggling to make logical decisions
• Increased or lack of appetite
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Irritability or restlessness
• Thoughts about self-harm
• Actual self-harm
• Suicidal thoughts

Important: If you are or someone you know is having thoughts about doing self-harm or suicide, immediately call for help. Do not wait for a depression screening appointment. In the US, you have the following resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Call 1-800-273-8255)
• 911
• The Lifeline (Call 1-800-799-4889)
• Crisis Text Text Line (Text HELLO to 741741)
• The nearest hospital emergency room
• Your depression psychiatrist or psychologist
• An adult who can provide immediate assistance

Another important thing to keep in mind is that depression screening is not exclusive for those who are showing depressive symptoms. Like breast exams and blood sugar tests, it can also be a preventive measure to avoid a simple worry from worsening.

Psychiatric and counseling services, as well as other mental health resources like depression screening, are available at Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health. Dr. Ronald Lee, our resident depression psychiatrist, will assess your illness, manage your prescription, and create a treatment plan. We conduct in-person and telehealth psychiatry. Reach out to Luminous Vitality  to book an online appointment. 

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