PTSD

PTSD

PTSD services offered in Washington, DC and Bowie, MD

Around one in 11 people will be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. At DMV Psychiatric Wellness located in Washington, DC, and Bowie, MD, Oko Akrong, PMHNP-BC, treats PTSD with counseling, medication management, and lifestyle recommendations. To schedule your evaluation at DMV Psychiatric Wellness, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health diagnosis that develops as the result of trauma in your past. It may be due to something you directly experienced or an event you witnessed. You can also develop PTSD after hearing of something traumatic, like the unexpected death of someone you love. 

 

While many people associate PTSD with veterans who have experienced wartime tragedies, you can also develop PTSD from:

 

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse or rape
  • A natural disaster
  • A car accident
  • A severe injury

 

At DMV Psychiatric Wellness, Mr. Oko Akrong evaluates you and makes a diagnosis before providing compassionate, client-centered PTSD care. Treatment can help you manage symptoms and avoid reliving the emotions from your trauma. 

What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?

The symptoms of PTSD differ from person to person and can interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks. They can affect you at all times of the day, often unexpectedly or in response to triggers. 

 

Common signs and symptoms are:

 

  • Vivid flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Recurrent memories
  • Trying to avoid reminders of your trauma
  • Emotional numbness
  • Hopelessness for the future
  • Trouble maintaining close relationships
  • Memory problems
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Guilt
  • Self-destructive behaviors (e.g., excessive drinking, illicit drug use)

 

The symptoms you experience from PTSD can fluctuate in their intensity as time goes by. Sometimes, you experience them often. At other times, they might only come up in response to triggers or reminders of your trauma. 

How can I manage my PTSD?

You can manage symptoms of PTSD with an individualized, client-centered care plan at DMV Psychiatric Wellness. Mr. Oko Akrong welcomes you to choose between in-person appointments, which happen in the office, or telepsychiatry. Telepsychiatry allows you to access your provider from anywhere, using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. 

 

Your PTSD care plan might involve medications like antidepressants or sedatives for anxiety. Mr. Oko Akrong manages your medications and makes sure you use them correctly and experience their intended results. 

 

PTSD also benefits from personalized psychotherapy using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy. Your provider works closely with you to recognize thought patterns and change their resulting behaviors. 

 

For more information on PTSD and its treatments, schedule an appointment over the phone or online at DMV Psychiatric Wellness today.