Trauma & PTSD

When not addressed, trauma can cause lasting effects on your emotions, moods, and behaviors. At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Dr. Alison Burton, DNP, recommends treatments for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to help you heal from traumatic events in a safe, healthy effective way. Schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation by phone or request one online today. 

What is trauma and PTSD?

Trauma can sometimes lead to PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that affects your emotions, moods, and behaviors. It’s characterized by nightmares and flashbacks after a traumatic event, such as an accident or abuse. Seeing a therapist can help you overcome troublesome PTSD symptoms after trauma.

What are examples of trauma?

Traumatic experiences vary from person to person and may include:

• Car accident
• Losing a loved one
• Natural disaster
• Being a first responder
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Military combat
• Witnessing or being a victim of violence
• Childhood abuse or neglect 

Any type of traumatic experience can cause PTSD.

What are the symptoms of trauma and PTSD?

The following symptoms may indicate PTSD:

• Anxiety
• Fear
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Hopelessness
• Being startled easily 
• Always being on guard 
• Irritability
• Substance misuse
• Depression
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Aggression
• Feeling emotionally numb

PTSD can interfere with your ability to maintain close interpersonal relationships and perform well at your job or in school.

How are trauma and PTSD diagnosed?

Alison asks a series of questions to determine if you’ve encountered past trauma and have PTSD. She completes a psychiatric evaluation to assess your emotions, moods, behaviors, thoughts, and lifestyle before customizing a mental health treatment plan. 

What is the best treatment for trauma and PTSD?

Alison might recommend further in-depth treatment for severe PTSD with a specialist for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). You might meet with her in the office or from the comfort of your home. 

Schedule a trauma and PTSD evaluation at Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.