Our Services / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Treatment You Need

At FamilyTime Centers, our goal is to equip our patients with the tools and treatments they need to enjoy full, happy, healthy lives. Our team is made up of skilled and experienced professionals, all committed to our patients’ long-term health and wellbeing. We understand that seeking treatment for a psychological disorder can be frightening, but we want you to know that you’re not alone. We want to help you gain the upper hand on your condition and get back the life you deserve.

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While it’s natural to feel shaken up after a traumatic experience, most people will eventually recover from the initial shock and return to their regular lives. For individuals with PTSD, however, the effects of the trauma linger long after the event has passed.

Symptoms of PTSD

• Individuals with PTSD may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
• Flashbacks
• nightmares
• intrusive thoughts
• avoidance of people, places, or things associated with the trauma
• negative changes in mood and thinking patterns
• feeling detached or numb
• increased anxiety and irritability
• difficulty sleeping
• trouble concentrating

These symptoms can be debilitating, making it difficult for individuals with PTSD to maintain healthy personal and professional relationships, perform well at work or school, or even take care of day-to-day responsibilities.

Causes of PTSD

PTSD can develop after any type of traumatic event, including:

• car accidents
• natural disasters
• acts of violence
• sexual assault or abuse
• military combat

Individuals who have experienced multiple traumas or who have a history of mental illness or substance abuse are especially vulnerable to developing PTSD.

Risk Factors for PTSD

There are a number of factors that may increase an individual’s risk for developing PTSD, including:

• previous exposure to trauma
• personal history of mental illness
• family history of mental illness
• having a close friend or family member who has experienced trauma
• being the victim of a violent crime
• witnessing a traumatic event

How is PTSD Treated?

PTSD is a very treatable condition, but it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances for a full recovery. There are a variety of treatment options available for PTSD, including:

Psychotherapy: Also called talk therapy, this is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. During psychotherapy, patients work with a therapist to identify and process their feelings about the traumatic event. This can help patients regain a sense of control and work through their trauma in a safe, supportive environment.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This type of therapy helps patients understand and change the negative thought patterns that can contribute to PTSD symptoms.

Exposure therapy: During exposure therapy, patients are gradually exposed to people, places, or things that remind them of their trauma. This type of therapy can help patients work through their fears and lessen the power that the trauma has over their lives.

Medication: There are a number of medication options available for treating PTSD, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotic medications. Medication can be used alone or in combination with other types of treatment.

PTSD is a serious condition, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, please seek professional help. There are a number of resources available to help you get the treatment you need to recover from trauma and live a healthy, happy life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD, don’t wait. Call FamilyTime Centers in Studio City, CA now to schedule an appointment.