PTSD
If you or someone you love has experienced a traumatic event, you may be familiar with the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At New Directions Psychiatry PLLC, we recognize the profound impact that PTSD can have on individuals and their loved ones. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Gilley has extensive professional training and experience in working with patients with PTSD. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centered care and individualized treatment options.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical disorder affecting physical and mental health. PTSD can develop after experiencing trauma or witnessing a traumatic event. It is not a sign of weakness but rather a response to an overwhelming and distressing situation. PTSD can affect anyone of any background, age, or gender. It can manifest in different ways.
Symptoms of PTSD
Recognizing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic event and is experiencing several of the following symptoms for an extended period, it may be an indication of PTSD:
Intrusive and recurrent thoughts or memories of the traumatic event
Re-experiencing or "flashbacks" of the traumatic event
Nightmares related to the trauma
Avoidance of reminders or triggers associated with the trauma
Hyperarousal or being constantly on edge
Depression, irritability, or mood changes
Difficulty concentrating or experiencing memory problems
Social withdrawal and isolation
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or restless sleep
These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. If you suspect you may have PTSD, it is important to discuss your symptoms with a professional experienced in treating this often-complex disorder. A professional evaluation by a psychiatrist can help clarify the cause of your symptoms and identify treatment options.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Psychotherapy
Therapy for trauma (talk therapy or psychotherapy) is the core component of treating trauma-related concerns and disorders. There are several evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Often PTSD comes with additional concerns, such as depression or relationship difficulties, that would also be addressed in therapy.
Dr. Gilley gives patients options in their care, including type of psychotherapy. This may include the more traditional exposure-based therapy or cognitive therapy such as CPT (cognitive processing therapy, a form of CBT), or an integrative therapy model that draws on the latest in our understanding of how trauma affects our body, mood, perspectives, and relationships. She also offers trauma-focused ACT (TFACT), a form of acceptance and commitment therapy that can help with trauma that includes moral injury. For those longstanding patterns left by trauma that create difficulty in relationships or ability to find meaning in life, she also offers psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Medication
For certain patients, medication may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep issues and facilitate progress in therapy. When medication is considered, it is a mutual discussion between you and your doctor. How long you might take medication will depend on the types of symptoms and their severity. Medicines can help target the “fight or flight” response, reduce nightmares, or help treat depression or anxiety symptoms.
Benzodiazepines, a type of controlled drug (including Klonopin®, Ativan®, Xanax®, and Valium®), are not advised for use in trauma treatment as it can interfere with recovery and effective therapeutic treatment. Benzodiazepines are not prescribed at New Directions Psychiatry PLLC.
Holistic Approaches
Activities to help re-establish feelings of safety and improve sleep quality are important in trauma recovery. Good nutrition is another factor that can support healing. Practicing stress reduction techniques can support overall well-being and aid in recovery.
Dr. Gilley believes that care can be optimized to fit your needs by understanding your stressors and supports from a whole-person perspective.
When to get emergency help:
If you think you may hurt yourself or act on suicidal thoughts, get help immediately by calling 911 or your local emergency or crisis number.
If you are concerned someone else is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, do not leave the person alone without someone to stay with them. Call 911 or local emergency services immediately or take the person to the nearest hospital emergency department if you can do so safely.
You can get help for suicidal thoughts or information to help a loved one in crisis by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is free and available 24/7. Website: Talk To Someone Now : Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
Other resources, including state-specific resources for Kentucky, Tennessee, and National hotlines for a variety of mental concerns can be found here: Resources Page
Why Choose New Directions Psychiatry PLLC for PTSD Treatment?
Expertise:
Dr. Gilley is a medical doctor Board Certified in Psychiatry. Specialists in psychiatry have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Gilley is trained in both formal psychotherapy and medication treatment options for PTSD. She stays up to date with the latest research and treatment modalities.
Individualized Care:
We understand that each person's experience with trauma-related symptoms is unique. Dr. Gilley takes a personalized approach to your care and tailors treatment around your specific needs and goals. Because she offers both therapy and medication options, and stays up-to-date on these and other interventions, Dr. Gilley understands the full range of treatment options. This allows her to counsel you on the different options and help you decide on the best treatment for you.
Trauma-informed Care:
Dr. Gilley uses a trauma-informed approach to care, which means approaching each individual with sensitivity, compassion, and respect for their unique experiences. New Directions Psychiatry PLLC strives to create a safe and supportive healing environment where you can share your trauma narrative at your own pace. Dr. Gilley collaborates with you throughout the course the course of your care. She is responsive to patient concerns and adapts treatment to fit your individual needs.
Care That Empowers Patients:
Dr. Gilley believes in empowering patients with education about their condition and treatment options. She provides counseling about PTSD, which evidence-based therapies are most often used for the treatment of PTSD, and medication options. She counsels patients on the risks and benefits of treatment(s), so that patients can make informed decisions about their care. Dr. Gilley involves you in every treatment decision.
A Whole-Person Approach:
Dr. Gilley believes in the power of a multi-faceted approach to PTSD to help patients heal and achieve long-term well-being. She considers individual factors that can include non-psychiatric health conditions and medications, nutrition, daily activities, family history or genetics, and prior treatment effects and experiences. To gain a greater sense of who you are as a person, Dr. Gilley makes it a priority to understand your needs, stressors, supports, goals, and values.
Time with your Doctor:
It requires time to provide quality care for trauma-related disorders like PTSD. Visits are never scheduled for less than 30 minutes. Initial appointments are typically around 90 minutes—all directly with your doctor. As a psychotherapy-oriented practice, most therapy sessions are 50 minutes and weekly therapy is an option. When you call, Dr. Gilley is the one to return your phone call.
Compassionate Support:
Dr. Gilley is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe discussing your concerns and receiving the care you deserve. She is available for concerns and returns patient calls herself.
Convenient:
Our psychiatry practice offers flexible appointment scheduling including Saturday therapy options. You don’t have to leave your home or office to receive physician specialty care for PTSD.
Confidential:
New Directions Psychiatry PLLC is a small, private psychiatry practice. It is not part of any large medical group, community health system, or hospital system. Visits are strictly confidential to ensure your comfort and privacy. New Directions Psychiatry PLLC does not hire billers, coders, schedulers, or administrative staff. Your physician takes care of these duties. Because this practice does not bill insurance, you can have more control over your personal information. See Why don't you take insurance?
You don’t have to let PTSD control your life. Dr. Gilley is here to support you in your journey toward healing. Take the first step by scheduling an appointment today.
References and Resources
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (2020): Coping with Traumatic Events https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events Accessed 6.30.23.
American Psychiatric Association (2022) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/PTSD and https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd Accessed 6.30.23.
Mayo Clinic. (2022) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967 Accessed 6.30.23.
American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
The Mental Health Resource Page includes a list of state resources in Kentucky and Tennessee, and a list of national hotlines related to mental health and wellbeing.
Whitney Gilley, MD. Trauma and PTSD and the treatment of trauma-related symptoms:
When Sleep Doesn't Feel Safe: Treating Nightmares as Part of Trauma Recovery
A Guide to Talk Therapy: What to Expect as a First Time Patient