Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a relatively common mental health condition in the United States. Insights from the American Psychiatric Association reveal that PTSD affects roughly 3.5% of U.S. adults annually, and 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD during their lifetimes. Despite its prevalence, many are unaware of what PTSD is or, more importantly, how to properly treat it. Thankfully, Portland, Maine, is home to Bishop Health, which provides high quality evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions like PTSD.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms related to PTSD or any other mental health concern, contact Bishop Health today. Our providers are highly trained in this specialized field of treatment ensuring you are set up to receive the mental health care that you deserve. Call Bishop Health today to speak with a treatment advisor about your options.
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What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Such events often involve personal violence, natural or human-made disasters, accidents, combat, or other forms of aggression. While many individuals experience these traumatic occurrences, not everyone develops PTSD. In some cases, PTSD emerges as a coping mechanism when intense emotional reactions to trauma overwhelm the brain’s ability to process them effectively. This condition can be viewed as the brain’s protective response to unbearable emotional distress.
Types of PTSD
Two conditions are closely linked to PTSD.2
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a short-term mental health condition that can emerge within a month of experiencing a traumatic event. If symptoms persist beyond four weeks, the diagnosis may shift to PTSD.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can develop following prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, such as enduring child abuse, domestic violence, or combat. Individuals with C-PTSD often exhibit PTSD symptoms alongside significant challenges in managing emotions, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships.
What Are Causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD comes as the result of exposure to a traumatic event. These events may include:
- Serious accidents
- Physical or sexual assault
- Abuse, including childhood or domestic abuse
- Exposure to traumatic events at work, including remote exposure
- Serious health problems, such as being admitted to intensive care
- Childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby
- The death of someone close to you
- War and conflict
- Torture
Not everyone who experiences one of these traumatic events will develop PTSD. Rather, it develops as a coping mechanism for those who are unable to process the extreme sensations associated with a traumatic event. Children are at a higher risk for developing PTSD symptoms due to their limited ability to process and cope with trauma.
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Common Signs & Symptoms of PTSD
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Arousal or hyperarousal symptoms include heightened emotional reactivity, such as being easily startled, feeling constantly on edge, or experiencing difficulty concentrating.
- Cognitive and mood symptoms can encompass a range of emotional and thought patterns, including persistent negative beliefs, feelings of guilt or shame, and difficulties experiencing positive emotions.
- Re-experiencing symptoms involve intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event. This can manifest as flashbacks, recurring nightmares, or intense emotional responses triggered by reminders of the trauma.
- Avoidance symptoms occur when individuals deliberately try to avoid people, places, or situations that evoke memories of the traumatic experience.
Outpatient PTSD Treatment at Our Portland, ME, Mental Health Clinic
Bishop Health in Portland, ME, offers treatment for a host of mental disorders including PTSD. Our outpatient treatment facility allows clients to maintain their work, school, and family obligations while receiving mental health treatment.Â
Our program begins with an assessment and diagnosis by a highly trained mental health professional. Afterward, you and your primary clinician agree on a treatment plan to fit your specific needs. This plan can include elements of group therapy, individual therapy, and medication, all of which are available through our location in Portland, Maine.
Evaluation & Diagnosis of PTSD
One of the first steps of proper PTSD treatment is an accurate diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional conducts a series of evaluations using a combination of evidenced-based assessment tools. These tools typically involve questions related to mental health symptoms, history, and trauma.
PTSD Treatment Options
At Bishop Health we only use evidence-based practices with a proven track record of success for the treatment of PTSD. These methods include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Your treatment plan is devised and agreed upon by both you and your primary clinician. It typically includes regular meetings for counseling appointments as well as medication management if necessary.
PTSD Treatment Therapies
Typical psychotherapy used for treating PTSD includes:
- Cognitive Restructuring — This method of talk therapy involves restructuring a client’s thoughts to help process previous traumatic events.Â
- Exposure Therapy — This method of therapy involves a client’s gradual guided exposure to potentially triggering materials with a trained mental health therapist.
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About PTSD Treatment at Bishop Health – Portland
If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD or any other form of mental health disorder, Bishop Health can help. We focus on rebuilding self-esteem and changing disturbing thought patterns through both group and individual sessions.Â
Our goal is to empower you with the skills needed to manage PTSD. Leveraging our therapy, services, and support, you can make significant progress to overcome your debilitating symptoms.Â
Call today to speak with a treatment advisor, who can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and even review your insurance benefits and/or payment options. Your journey to the mental health you deserve can start today.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?Â
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
