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PTSD

PTSD Q&A

After an accident or other traumatic event, you may feel fearful, anxious, or unable to stop thinking about what happened. These symptoms can be a warning sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and you can find help at South Florida Psychiatry. Ernesto Sarduy, PMHNP, DNP, provides personalized treatment plans using advanced therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications. Through in-office and telehealth appointments, Dr. Sarduy provides resources to help you live a happier, more productive life. Call the Miami, Florida office to schedule a PTSD consultation or book an appointment online.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can start in the weeks, months, or years after witnessing or experiencing trauma.

Common triggers of PTSD symptoms can include:

  • Auto accidents
  • Natural disaster
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Physical violence
  • Sexual abuse
  • Military service

South Florida Psychiatry offers compassionate PTSD care for adults and children, including diagnostic evaluations and treatment services.

When should I schedule a PTSD evaluation?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at South Florida Psychiatry if you or your child has symptoms of PTSD such as:

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Decreased concentration
  • Negative or intrusive thoughts
  • Loss of interest in activities

As a result of PTSD, you might also isolate yourself away from others or avoid certain places, people, or events that can trigger PTSD symptoms.

Dr. Sarduy evaluates your PTSD symptoms and reviews your medical history. He can also screen for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders contributing to PTSD. 

Based on the results of his evaluation, Dr. Sarduy customizes a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

How is PTSD treated?

Your treatment plan for PTSD may include a combination of therapy and medication.

South Florida Psychiatry provides a wide range of therapeutic strategies to identify your PTSD triggers and negative behaviors. During in-office and telehealth therapy sessions, Dr. Sarduy can teach you methods to change negative thought patterns and relieve anxiety or depression symptoms.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Sarduy may use therapies like:

  • Trauma-focused therapy
  • Behavior modification
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive processing (CP)
  • Positive psychology
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Brief dynamic therapy
  • Psychoanalytic therapy
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Humanistic therapy
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

In some cases, medication may be a part of your treatment plan. Dr. Sarduy can prescribe antidepressants or antianxiety medications so that you can manage moderate to severe PTSD symptoms.

During follow-up visits in-office and through telehealth, Dr. Sarduy continues to monitor your progress with treatment. He can adjust your medications when necessary to relieve PTSD symptoms.

Call South Florida Psychiatry to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for PTSD symptoms, or book an appointment online today.