Post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly referred to as PTSD, is a condition that can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event in the past. These events do not necessarily have to be life-threatening, for instance, PTSD can be triggered by events such as the sudden death of a loved one. In fact, any event which places the brain under sufficient stress is enough to cause PTSD, and what might not affect one person may be traumatic for another.
Traumatic events can replay themselves through the form of flashbacks and nightmares. Those who suffer from PTSD may also experience feelings of isolation, become easily startled, have trouble sleeping, and be at increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. PTSD also significantly increases the chances of developing an addiction or behavioral disorder.
PTSD develops in about one-third of people who experience severe trauma, and it is not fully understood why some people develop it and others do not. Some factors make people more likely to develop PTSD, such as suffering from anxiety or depression in the past.
Some of the traumatic experiences that can cause PTSD include:
Some research suggests PTSD develops as a survival tactic to better equip you in the future to deal with a traumatic event.
People with PTSD usually suffer from high levels of stress hormones. Stress causes permanent changes in the brain, and as one of the key side effects of PTSD is to feel constantly under threat, the sufferer will be releasing high levels of cortisol meaning that the brain thinks it is in danger even when it isn’t.
The hippocampus is a part of the brain that controls memory and emotions. The effect of early life trauma can result in a smaller hippocampus which can be extremely problematic as this part of the brain is critical in the formation, storage and organization of new memories as well as connecting appropriate narratives, sensations and emotions. This can lead to misplaced, inappropriate reactions as well as contribute to depression and anxiety.
Our specialist clinical team will undertake a thorough assessment for PTSD with your care and best interests at the fore. We encourage a process of “watchful waiting” for a period of weeks where we stay in support of our client and together we monitor their symptoms to see if there are any changes. If a follow-up appointment results in a recommendation for treatment, there are three typical forms of therapy that those who suffer from PTSD are recommended to try; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and group therapy.
Excel treatment has changed my life! The staff starting from the intake process, to all the clinicians are amazing! I really enjoy that. Most of the staff are in recovery and relate to me I have been shown so much support, understanding, and accommodation above and beyond!
We know that most people are unfamiliar with how the rehabilitation process works. This is completely normal – our application process is designed to be as simple as possible. Our caring staff will provide all of the guidance you or your loved one needs to make the journey into recovery as streamlined as possible.
We specialize in offering treatment to younger adults and adults in mid-life. At the Excel Center, we believe that recovery is possible for anyone, no matter what age or background. However, different groups of people face different challenges. As such, we make sure that the treatments we offer are varied and meet each of our clients’ exact needs. We consider the different life experiences, pressures, and histories of everyone who seeks help from us.
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Excel Treatment Center is an addiction treatment center in New Jersey that offers high-quality treatment designed around each client’s personal needs.
