PTSD

About 5% of adults in the United States experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year. At Forcey Behavioral Health Services in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Sherifat Forcey, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and effectively treats PTSD to eliminate crippling symptoms and restore quality of life. Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops in some people after experiencing a traumatic, often life-altering event. PTSD is common in veterans after military combat and in people who have suffered from any form of abuse. While PTSD symptoms may become less severe over time, treatment can dramatically improve the lives of people struggling with this condition.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD can lead to:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Intrusive memories
• Distressing or negative thoughts
• Severe emotional distress
• Avoidance of distressing memory triggers
• Loss of interest in once-favorite activities
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Thoughts of suicide
• Guilt or shame
• Irritability
• Feeling detached from friends and family
• Being emotionally numb
• Getting startled easily
• Being on guard for danger
• Substance misuse
• Trouble sleeping and concentrating

You might also experience rapid breathing, a fast heartbeat, sweating, or shaking because of PTSD. Your symptoms may be mild to severe and, in some cases, debilitating. 

What increases the risk of PTSD?

Risk factors for developing PTSD include:

• History of repeated trauma
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Extreme or long-lasting trauma
• Childhood neglect
• Military combat
• Being a first responder
• Misusing alcohol or drugs
• Lack of a strong social support network
• Family history of PTSD
• Natural disasters
• Violence
• Car accidents

Any life event that’s traumatic or life-threatening can cause post-traumatic stress. Depression and anxiety commonly appear with PTSD.

Do I have PTSD?

Sherifat meets with you in person or virtually. She determines if you have PTSD or another mental health condition after asking about your history of trauma, medications, medical history, thoughts, behaviors, moods, emotions, and lifestyle habits. She personalized a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. 

How is PTSD treated?

Treating PTSD at Forcey Behavioral Health Services may involve taking medications, undergoing psychotherapy, making healthy lifestyle changes, or combining multiple treatments. 

Sherifat offers exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other forms of therapy that are particularly useful for people with PTSD. She manages your medications and meets with you for therapy weekly or as needed. 

It’s also helpful to exercise regularly, minimize stress, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and avoid drugs and alcohol. Have a strong social support network in place, or join a PTSD support group. Call the Forcey Behavioral Health Services office at any time with questions.

Book a PTSD evaluation at Forcey Behavioral Health Services by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.