What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs after experiencing a traumatic event. The trauma could range from serious physical or sexual abuse to natural disasters, war, relationship breakdown, or bullying. One in thirteen people will experience PTSD at some point during their lifetime.
Our team of experienced professionals at GIA Chicago offer comprehensive PTSD treatment through a range of therapies. The recovery process is unique for everyone, with the most effective programs incorporating a combination of evidence-based therapies administered by compassionate and understanding professionals. That’s what you will find at GIA Chicago.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of PTSD?
Anything that puts someone under an inordinate amount of stress can cause trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms vary from person to person, and even within the individual, they may change over time. Symptoms can start within weeks of the traumatic event, but it’s also common for them to appear years later.
These symptoms generally cause notable problems in social or work settings and in relationships. They can also restrict the individual’s ability to live a normal life, interfering with day to day activities.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types:
- Intrusive memories
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions
PTSD and Mental Health
It is common for other mental health disorders to co-occur with PTSD; research shows that this could be to do with the significant changes in brain functioning following a traumatic event that leads to PTSD. Someone with PTSD may experience depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, or substance use disorders. This research found that of people living with PTSD, between 48% and 55% also experience a depressive disorder.
PTSD presents differently in everyone – no two people have exactly the same experience. At GIA Chicago, we take this into consideration when tailoring a bespoke recovery program specifically designed to suit your needs.
We build a picture of your mental and physical health using a combination of scientifically and clinically validated tests. With you in the driving seat, our compassionate and skilled therapists work together to design a bespoke treatment program specifically for your needs. We combine traditional talking therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy with pioneering approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
How is PTSD Treated at GIA?
Our team is made up of a diverse team of healthcare professionals who share a united approach to recovery. We believe the crossover of cutting edge neuroscience and traditional psychological practice is the pinnacle of treatment for mental health conditions and substance addiction.
To help us build a detailed understanding of your mental and physical health, we start with a combination of scientifically and clinically validated tests. Following this and guided by you, our compassionate and skilled therapists design a bespoke treatment program specifically for you. We use traditional talking therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and more pioneering approaches like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in combination.
TMS for PTSD
TMS therapy for PTSD works by stimulating cells in the region of the brain which processes emotions with electromagnetic impulses. Through this treatment, it encourages other cells in the brain associated with PTSD to regulate. By this process of restoration and by bringing some stability back to your brain, symptoms are eased.
At GIA Chicago, our treatment is built around an outpatient model, ensuring that you can access the support you need without disrupting your daily life. We know that our clients have many responsibilities outside of recovery – that’s why we ensure flexibility and fluidity in our planning. This is your recovery; it should fit comfortably into your life.
