HOW DOES A PSYCHIATRIST DIAGNOSE PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in response to serious injury, near-death experience, sexual abuse, and other traumas. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the trauma

• Avoiding reminders of the trauma

• Negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world due to the trauma

• Depression, detachment, or withdrawal following the trauma

• Feeling on guard or easily startled because of the trauma

CAN A PSYCHIATRIST TEST FOR PTSD?

Dr. Smith diagnoses PTSD using many factors, including screening tests. Take a PTSD test to measure your symptoms. (Responses are anonymous.)

Does Dr. Smith PRESCRIBE MEDICATION FOR PTSD?

There are no medications for PTSD specifically, but many treatments for anxiety and depression are effective for symptoms. A PTSD specialist may recommend medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro, which act on anxiety and depression. A medication called Prazosin can treat nightmares. A PTSD specialist can formulate a personalized treatment regimen designed to meet an individual’s specific needs.

HOW DO I talk to Dr. Smith about this?

Contact Dr. Smith about evaluation and treatment of PTSD.