Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result from one traumatic event or a lifelong pattern of traumatic events. PTSD is frequently accompanied by intrusive images called flashbacks.

Symptoms of PTSD:

• Intrusive distressing memories of traumatic event(s).
• Recurrent distressing dreams.
• Flashbacks, where it feels like the traumatic event is reoccurring.
• Psychological distress when exposed to internal or external triggers/cues that remind you of the original trauma. 
• Physiologic reactions to triggers/cues that remind you of the initial trauma, whether you remember the event or not.
• Avoidance of stimuli/triggers/cues that remind you of traumatic event(s). 
• Efforts to avoid your distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about the traumatic event(s).
• Efforts to avoid people, places, and things that remind you of the traumatic event.
• Negative thought processes and or mood associated with the traumatic event. These could include anxiety and depression.
• Inability to recall parts of the traumatic event.
• Depersonalization and derealization.
• Arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event, such as an exaggerated startle response, also known as hypervigilance, and or problems concentrating.
• Sleep disturbances.

PTSD can be caused by one traumatic incident or it might be the result of many traumatic experiences over time. Whether you are suffering from PTSD or Complex PTSD, help is available. Psychotherapy and EMDR can help.

Please call Dr. Juanita Harb at (916) 225-6311 for a free 20-minute phone consultation.