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How Is PTSD Diagnosed?
It can feel devastating to realize that you might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. But how do you really know? How is the condition diagnosed, and what can you do about it once you find out you have it?
At Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, we know finding out what’s wrong can seem insurmountable. But it’s really only the beginning of the recovery process. Tamara McDonald, DNP, wants to help you diagnose the issue, start a treatment program, and begin the healing process, all of which may sound intimidating but can truly change your life for the better.
PTSD 101: Defining the condition
First, it’s important to understand what PTSD is. For example, many people have preconceived notions about PTSD, such as that it only happens to soldiers who have seen combat or that it only occurs after one extremely traumatic experience. Neither of these conditions is true.
PTSD can occur as a result of a one-time traumatic event, but it can also develop after many traumatic events over time. This is called complex PTSD. The condition can also occur because of any experience of trauma. Assault and abuse are common causes, but so are natural disasters, loss of a loved one, illness, or dealing with others’ trauma in a recurring manner.
The condition causes several symptoms you should be wary of, especially if you or someone you love has an increased risk of developing PTSD because of your job, sex, or history of mental health or substance abuse. The main symptoms of the condition are
- Avoidance
- Intrusive flashbacks to the event(s)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood disturbances
- Exhibiting the physical and mental symptoms of extreme anxiety when confronted with memories or reminders of the event(s)
- Suicidal ideation
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but if you notice any of these cropping up around three months after a traumatic experience or experiences, you might be struggling with PTSD.
How providers diagnose PTSD
When you visit your provider for help, the first thing we must do is diagnose the problem. We use a variety of tools during a PTSD screen to determine if your situation should be analyzed further for this condition. First, you’re asked a short set of questions that are used to determine if your symptoms mirror those of PTSD. Then, we’ll discuss the matter further.
It’s also important that your physical well-being is taken into account as well. In some cases, specific symptoms can be a sign of another underlying illness. We make sure to rule these out in addition to the questionnaire and one-on-one discussions.
A PTSD screening isn’t a perfect tool, but it can help you and your provider narrow down the likelihood that you may be dealing with this condition. Afterward, your provider will discuss the situation with you, including how severe they think your PTSD may be and what you will be able to do going forward.
What happens next
Diagnosing a condition like PTSD certainly isn’t the end. In fact, it provides us with the knowledge of what you’re dealing with so that you can begin a healing journey. For many patients, it can seem scary to admit they’re dealing with this condition, but over time, it can be comforting to know that their symptoms have a cause.
PTSD can be treated in a host of ways, many of which can be used together to provide you with a well-rounded treatment regimen. For some patients, behavioral therapy and trauma-focused motivational interviewing can be fantastic tools on their own. Others may need medications to manage symptoms in addition to therapeutic intervention.
Whatever the case, it may seem daunting now to imagine a diagnosis of PTSD, but providers like Dr. McDonald are trained to spot the symptoms, provide a safe space for opening up, and help you both put a name to the condition and begin to heal.
Do you want to be assessed for PTSD?
If you believe you might be suffering from PTSD, there’s no reason to wait. We’ll happily discuss the assessment tools we use with you and any treatment methods we think could be helpful for you.
To make an appointment at our Boise, ID, office, call us at 208-591-6410. You can also visit us online. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.