PTSD

If past trauma continues to impact your well-being, Dr. Alyssa Nadolny, DNP, PMHNP-BC, provides thoughtful, trauma-informed psychiatric care at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness in Greenwood Village, Colorado. She provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), helping individuals reduce distressing symptoms and restore daily functioning and emotional well-being. Schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or series of ongoing stressors. Trauma affects individuals differently. PTSD symptoms may emerge immediately or long after trauma has passed. 

Treatment at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness can ease ongoing anxiety, stress, or debilitating symptoms linked to PTSD. 

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD might lead to:

• Intrusive or distressing memories
• Avoiding triggers
• Heightened anxiety or hypervigilance
• Emotional numbness
• Changes in mood or sleep
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Getting startled easily
• Always being on guard
• Depression
• Substance misuse
• Negative thoughts
• Fear, guilt, shame, anger, or fear
• Memory problems surrounding trauma
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Self-destructive or reckless behavior
• Feeling detached from others
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Aggression 
• Sweating, fast heartbeat, or rapid breathing

PTSD affects about 5-10% of people who have experienced traumatic events.

What may contribute to PTSD?

Any event that’s traumatizing to you may contribute to PTSD. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Military combat
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Car accident
• Natural disaster
• Being a first responder
• Witnessing violence
• Being robbed or attacked
• Significanr deaths

See Alyssa if you have severe or lasting effects from past trauma. 

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Alyssa can diagnose PTSD at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. She honors your unique experiences and sense of safety. She compassionately discusses your trauma, moods, emotions, behaviors, and thoughts to confirm a diagnosis and customize a treatment plan. 

How is PTSD treated?

Treating PTSD at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness may consist of:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Sleep support and nightmare management
• Psychoeducation
• Trauma-informed care
• Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment over time
• Support with emotional regulation strategies
• Coordination with trauma-focused therapy when appropriate
• Management of co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions
• Guidance during life transitions or stressors

PTSD care is grounded in a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes empowerment, trust, and pacing. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptom burden, improve emotional regulation, and support you in reclaiming a sense of safety, stability, and quality of life.

Schedule an in-person or virtual PTSD evaluation with Alyssa at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.