Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition triggered by exposure to a traumatic event—something deeply distressing or life-threatening. For some people, the effects of trauma fade with time. For others, the impact lingers for months or even years, disrupting relationships, work, sleep, and day-to-day functioning.
According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 6 out of every 100 U.S. adults will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. But the condition is not limited to military combat veterans. PTSD can affect anyone—survivors of accidents, natural disasters, assault, or abuse.
At Insightful Psychiatry, we understand the weight of trauma. Our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners offer compassionate, evidence-based medication management to help individuals regain a sense of safety, clarity, and control.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that develops in response to a traumatic event, either experienced directly or witnessed. These events often involve serious injury, violence, or threat to life. While it’s natural to feel shaken after trauma, PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly interfere with daily life.
There are four primary symptom clusters, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- Intrusive thoughts – Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted memories
- Avoidance behaviors – Steering clear of reminders of the trauma
- Negative changes in mood or cognition – Feelings of shame, detachment, guilt, or hopelessness
- Arousal and reactivity – Hypervigilance, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or being easily startled
These symptoms can emerge soon after the trauma or even months later, and they often come in waves, triggered by sounds, smells, people, or places that remind the individual of the event.
Common Causes of PTSD
PTSD can develop after a wide range of traumatic events. While combat exposure is one well-known cause, PTSD also occurs in civilians and across all age groups.
Common causes include:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Car accidents or serious injuries
- Domestic violence
- Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes)
- Medical trauma (e.g., ICU stays, surgeries)
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Witnessing violence or death
According to MentalHealth.gov, it’s not weakness or personality type that determines who develops PTSD—it’s often about the severity and unpredictability of the trauma, combined with individual brain chemistry and past life experiences.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can develop PTSD, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood:
- A history of mental illness (such as anxiety or depression)
- Experiencing repeated or prolonged trauma
- Lack of social support after the event
- A family history of PTSD or mental illness
- High levels of stress in daily life
Protective factors—such as strong relationships, early support, or effective coping skills—can reduce risk or severity.
How PTSD Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing PTSD requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation. At Insightful Psychiatry, our psychiatric nurse practitioners conduct a full assessment to understand the nature of your trauma, symptom patterns, and overall mental health history. We also evaluate for co-occurring conditions like panic disorder or bipolar disorder, which can influence treatment.
To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must:
- Last longer than one month
- Cause significant distress or impairment
- Not be due to substance use or another medical condition
For detailed criteria, refer to the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals.
Treatment Options: Why Medication Management Matters
PTSD treatment often combines therapy with medical interventions. While psychotherapy (like trauma-focused CBT or EMDR) can be highly effective, medication plays a crucial role in reducing symptom severity, especially when talk therapy isn’t accessible or is too overwhelming at first.
At Insightful Psychiatry, our team focuses on medication management—helping clients stabilize symptoms like sleep issues, intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and depression through carefully prescribed medications.
Common medications for PTSD include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): e.g., sertraline or paroxetine, both FDA-approved for PTSD
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): May help with co-occurring anxiety and depression
- Prazosin: Often used to reduce trauma-related nightmares
- Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics: In complex or treatment-resistant cases
Our psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) work closely with you to determine the most effective medication, monitor progress, and make adjustments based on your needs. Unlike psychiatrists who may also offer talk therapy, our NPs do not provide therapy, but focus solely on medication management. Patients often refer to them by first name or Mr./Ms. + last name, creating a professional yet welcoming dynamic.
Supporting Recovery Outside the Clinic
Medication is a powerful tool, but sustainable healing also involves lifestyle changes and self-care. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommends the following to support PTSD recovery:
- Regular exercise, especially cardio, to reduce stress
- Mindfulness and breathing exercises to manage hypervigilance
- Structured routines, which provide safety and predictability
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms
- Building a support network, including trusted family or peer groups
It’s also helpful to track triggers and symptoms, which can inform medication adjustments and help patients better understand their healing process.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or emotional numbness that won’t go away—and especially if these symptoms are disrupting your daily life—it’s time to seek help. The longer PTSD goes untreated, the more deeply it can take root.
Whether your trauma occurred recently or years ago, healing is always possible, especially with compassionate, evidence-based care.
How Insightful Psychiatry Can Help
At Insightful Psychiatry, we’re committed to helping individuals reclaim their peace of mind after trauma. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners specialize in medication management for PTSD and related disorders, offering personalized treatment rooted in empathy and clinical expertise.
We treat patients across Washington, New York, Maryland, Florida, and Colorado, with flexible options for telepsychiatry or in-person care. Our focus on medication allows us to meet patients where they are—providing relief from distressing symptoms and helping them stabilize so they can move forward.
📞 Call us today at (206) 620-1222
📩 Or Contact Insightful Psychiatry to book your first appointment.
You are not alone. With the right care, you can heal.