What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental disorder that develops after you experience or witness a traumatic event, such as a car accident, war, murder, or physical abuse.
PTSD can continue to affect your life for many years after the trauma, interfering with your ability to live, work, and interact with others normally.
What causes PTSD?
Researchers don’t know why some people develop PTSD after a traumatic event and others don’t. However, having certain risk factors may make PTSD more likely.
For example, if you have a family history of depression or anxiety, you’re at a higher risk of developing PTSD. In addition, experiencing high levels of stress or multiple traumas can also increase your risk.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD vary considerably. Some of the most common symptoms of this disorder include:
- Nightmares about the event
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Unwanted, recurrent memories of the event
- Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the event
- Negative thoughts about yourself or the future
- Trouble with relationships
- Lack of interest in enjoyable activities
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
Arkansas Progressive Medicine works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
How is PTSD treated?
PTSD is often treated through talk therapy, holistic treatments, or medications. Mindfulness techniques, lifestyle changes, and exercise may help as well.
However, if a combination of therapy and medications don't provide relief, medical marijuana might be an effective treatment method. Evidence suggests that medical marijuana could be a breakthrough treatment for many of the symptoms associated with PTSD.
The team at Arkansas Progressive Medicine includes certified medical marijuana physicians. They conduct evaluations and can provide the marijuana physician certification you need to get your medical marijuana identification card from the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas Progressive Medicine also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat PTSD. During therapy, you lie in a high-pressurized hyperbaric chamber and breathe in pure oxygen.
The therapy may work by inducing neuroplasticity, which promotes the development of new neural pathways that may help alleviate PTSD symptoms.
If PTSD is having a negative impact on your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Arkansas Progressive Medicine. Call the office or book your appointment online.
