Spokane therapist, therapist in Spokane, WA

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The most recent scientific evidence suggests that many of the symptoms a person experiences for the first month after a trauma are normal. These symptoms can include sleep disturbance, decreased concentration, anxiety, sadness, anger, irritability, hypervigilence, re-experiencing of traumatic events, and disruptions in social and work related functioning.

Symptoms that persist beyond four weeks following a trauma and that may be indicative of a post traumatic stress disorder are as follows:

• Recurrent and intrusive recollections of trauma.
• Recurrent distressing dreams of the trauma.
• Acting or feeling as if the trauma is recurring.
• Intense psychological distress and/or physiological reactivity upon exposure to cues that resemble the traumatic event.
• Efforts to avoid anything associated with the trauma.
• Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Irritability or anger
• Hypervigilance
• Exaggerated startle responses

If you feel that you're experiencing any form of PTSD, please call so we can work through this difficult time together.