PTSD

PTSD services offered in Brooklyn, NY

If you’ve experienced trauma and have severe or long-lasting symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be the cause. In Brooklyn, New York, dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Mary Cahill, PMHNP, diagnoses and helps you manage PTSD to reduce flashbacks, nightmares, and other bothersome symptoms. To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.

PTSD Q&A

What is PTSD?

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that develops in some people after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hypervigilance.

What are common symptoms of PTSD:

  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Always being on guard for danger
  • Anxiety
  • Depression 
  • Getting startled easily
  • Distressing memories
  • Avoiding things that trigger symptoms
  • Being on edge
  • Irritability 
  • Anger
  • Social withdrawal
  • Mood changes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Problems at work or school
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • problematic substance use

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

The following traumatic experiences might contribute to PTSD:

  • Military combat
  • Being robbed or assaulted
  • Childhood neglect
  • Sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
  • Being a first responder 
  • Natural disasters
  • Car accidents
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Witnessing trauma or violence
  • Lack of social support

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Mary completes a psychiatric evaluation to establish if you meet DSM-5-TR criteria for PTSD. 

How is PTSD treated?

Treatment for PTSD may include medications to help assuage some of your distressing symptoms. However it is more effective to use a combination of medication and evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Supportive Therapy and Group therapy. 

To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.