NYC Psychiatry & Primary Medical: Adult Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment or PTSD
Updated by Natan Schleider, M.D. on January 10th, 2021
DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY: NYC Psychiatry & Primary Medical Care Doctors specialize in Adult PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment from our Manhattan Office or via Telemedicine.
Our Psychiatrists follow DSM V (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) criteria in confirming a diagnosis of PTSD. This requires the following criteria are met:
Criterion A: stressor (one required)
The person was exposed to: death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence, in the following way(s):
- Direct exposure
- Witnessing the trauma
- Learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to a trauma
- Indirect exposure to aversive details of the trauma, usually in the course of professional duties (e.g., first responders, medics)
Criterion B: intrusion symptoms (one required)
The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in the following way(s):
- Unwanted upsetting memories
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders
- Physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders
Criterion C: avoidance (one required)
Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli after the trauma, in the following way(s):
- Trauma-related thoughts or feelings
- Trauma-related external reminders
Criterion D: negative alterations in cognitions and mood (two required)
Negative thoughts or feelings that began or worsened after the trauma, in the following way(s):
- Inability to recall key features of the trauma
- Overly negative thoughts and assumptions about oneself or the world
- Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
- Negative affect
- Decreased interest in activities
- Feeling isolated
- Difficulty experiencing positive affect
Criterion E: alterations in arousal and reactivity
Trauma-related arousal and reactivity that began or worsened after the trauma, in the following way(s):
- Irritability or aggression
- Risky or destructive behavior
- Hypervigilance
- Heightened startle reaction
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
Criterion F: duration (required)
Symptoms last for more than 1 month.
Criterion G: functional significance (required)
Symptoms create distress or functional impairment (e.g., social, occupational).
The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in the following way(s):
- Unwanted upsetting memories
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders
- Physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders
Symptoms are not due to medication, substance use, or other illness.
FINAL CRITERIA: THERE ARE TWO ADDITIONAL PTSD CRITERIA CALLED DISSOCIATIVE SPECIFICATIONS AND THE PATIENT MUST HAVE ONE:
- Depersonalization. Experience of being an outside observer of or detached from oneself (e.g., feeling as if “this is not happening to me” or one were in a dream).
- Derealization. Experience of unreality, distance, or distortion (e.g., “things are not real”).
- Delayed Specification. Full diagnostic criteria are not met until at least six months after the trauma(s), although onset of symptoms may occur immediately.
DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY: PSYCHIATRISTS AND PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS APPROACH TO PTSD TREATMENT (FOLLOW AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIC ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES)
- Our Primary Care Doctors will make sure PTSD symptoms are not caused or worsened by an underlying health or medical or substance abuse condition.
- Psychotherapy will be offered or provided to the patient; however, MOST of our patient have already had and failed OR are looking to supplement with medical treatment options.
- Medicines currently FDA approved for PTSD include sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Each has benefits and risks which are reviewed in detail. None are addicting. You can stop taper off these medicines if you decide you don’t like them at any time.
- In New York State Medical Marijuana is approved for the treatment of PTSD. For those patient who do not like pills, this is a viable alternative or a supplement. We can get you a New York State Medical Marijuana Card for PTSD.
Please contact DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY psychiatrists in NYC if you are seeking diagnosis, second opinion, and/or treatment options for PTSD by calling or texting 646-957-5444.
