PTSD

PTSD

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, affecting people of all ages. If you or your loved one shows signs of PTSD, reach out to Neuropsychological Services of New Mexico. We serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, and all areas throughout New Mexico. Our skilled mental health professionals provide expert assessment and complete treatment for children age 5 and up, as well as adults who are dealing with PTSD.

PTSD FAQ

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a scary, shocking, or dangerous event. While it's normal to feel upset after trauma, PTSD happens when these feelings don't go away and actually get worse over time. People with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they're not in danger. Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include car accidents, natural disasters, violence, military combat, serious injuries, or the sudden death of a loved one. PTSD can develop right after the trauma or months later. Not everyone who goes through trauma develops PTSD, but those who do need professional help to recover. The team at Neuropsychological Services of New Mexico can help children age 5 and older, as well as adults of any age who have PTSD symptoms.

What symptoms does PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms fall into four main groups:

Reliving the trauma:

  • Having flashbacks or feeling like the event is happening again

  • Nightmares about the traumatic event

  • Getting very upset when reminded of what happened

  • Physical reactions like sweating or fast heartbeat when thinking about the trauma

Avoiding reminders:

  • Staying away from places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma

  • Avoiding talking or thinking about what happened

  • Feeling numb or disconnected from others

Negative thoughts and feelings:

  • Blaming yourself or others for the trauma

  • Having negative thoughts about yourself or the world

  • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

  • Feeling hopeless about the future

  • Having trouble remembering parts of the traumatic event

Being on high alert:

  • Being easily startled or jumpy

  • Having trouble sleeping

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling angry or irritable

  • Being overly watchful for danger

In children, PTSD might show up as repeating the trauma through play, having new fears, losing skills they already learned, or acting much younger than their age.

How is PTSD treated?

Neuropsychological Services of New Mexico offers several PTSD treatments, including:

Individual therapy: Specialized trauma therapy helps you process the traumatic experience in a safe environment. Types like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trauma-focused CBT are very effective for PTSD. These therapies help reduce the power that traumatic memories have over your daily life.

Medication: Certain antidepressants can help reduce PTSD symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Medications can make it easier to participate in therapy and manage daily activities while you're healing.

Call Neuropsychological Services of New Mexico today or schedule an appointment online for expert help with PTSD in children and adults.