How can I stop PTSD from getting worse?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am not diagnosed with depression or on medication, but I think I have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) because I am unable to stop overthinking about it as if I have too much health anxiety or concern. I am unable to keep still in one place. I get tensed and easily triggered by conflict, or drama, or when I hear someone raising their voice, or when they criticize me. My social relationships and skills are deteriorating, and I cannot tolerate the pain because it gives me panic attacks, and I relive conflict in my body all the time. I cannot sleep more than a certain amount of hours. If I have to get up, I just wake up and cannot go back again to sleep. Because of the panic attacks and waking nightmare experiences, I have to go through a really long day of real and imaginary conflicts, and if there was no stress in my day, it feels like my body can create it for me and that I deserve it. I feel too afraid of judgments or having to adjust to change. I have had these symptoms for more than 12 months, and I guess they are getting worse.

I think I have trauma, but I am not sure. I started to have so many confusing thoughts about people betraying me or finding out my vulnerability. I am sure that some people are trying to get me in some way. I am more prone to have 'escape plans' in my mind and detailed scenario on a daily basis. My body is even used to playing the role of surviving, or the victim, to the point of comfortable familiarity. I am afraid I have not especially been present to anything important or anything I love. I have so much emptiness, and I think I can or have less fear when it comes to the thought of self-harming or having to defend myself with force if it had to happen. I am less careful about outcomes, and I think I can be really aggressive without guilt to myself or people, which is something my mind started to think about all the time. I am not talking about suicide or harming people. I just feel a strength that needs to be used. I cannot release this extra energy on people because they will be disappointed, but I feel very paced in my thoughts, and I cannot stop them now if I leave this to get worse. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Siva Anoop Yella

Education:

MD Psychiatry

Professional Bio:

Dr. Siva Anoop Yella is a Psychiatrist. He is an expert in digital cognitive behavior therapy, a certified life coach, and a complementary therapist accredited association member. Also, he is a consultant psychiatrist and therapist, CBT practitioner, and mindfulness practitioner. He has extensive years of clinical experience and can communicate in English.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read the information you have given, and I understood what you have been going through, and I would like to help you out.

According to the details you have provided, it looks like you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, which needs to be treated at the earliest. I recommend you consult a psychiatrist in your region for medications for your anxiety and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Probable causes

Stress factors.

Investigations to be done

Complete blood picture. Thyroid profile. Random blood sugar.

Probable diagnosis

Generalized anxiety disorder.

Treatment plan

Consult psychiatrist for medications.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At February 9, 2021
Reviewed At May 30, 2024

Education:

MD Psychiatry

Professional Bio:

Dr. Siva Anoop Yella is a Psychiatrist. He is an expert in digital cognitive behavior therapy, a certified life coach, and a complementary therapist accredited association member. Also, he is a consultant psychiatrist and therapist, CBT practitioner, and mindfulness practitioner. He has extensive years of clinical experience and can communicate in English.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD Psychiatry

Professional Bio:

Dr. Siva Anoop Yella is a Psychiatrist. He is an expert in digital cognitive behavior therapy, a certified life coach, and a complementary therapist accredited association member. Also, he is a consultant psychiatrist and therapist, CBT practitioner, and mindfulness practitioner. He has extensive years of clinical experience and can communicate in English.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Read answers about:

generalized anxiety disordercognitive behaviour therapypost-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)

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