PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops when the brain's response to a frightening or overwhelming experience does not resolve on its own the way it normally would. Most people who go through something difficult will feel shaken for a while and then gradually return to themselves. PTSD is what happens when that recovery stalls, and instead of fading, the experience stays active, intruding on daily life in ways the person cannot control. It is not a failure of willpower or character. It is a condition, and it responds to treatment.

PTSD can follow a single event or prolonged exposure to threatening circumstances, and it affects people of all ages. Children and adolescents are not immune, though the way the condition shows up in a young person often looks quite different from what families expect. Adults may recognize that something has changed in themselves but spend months or years attributing it to stress, aging, or personality rather than a treatable psychiatric condition. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more the avoidance patterns and emotional withdrawal tend to build on themselves.

What many families do not realize is that effective treatment can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and restore a sense of stability. The goal is not to erase what happened but to help the brain process it in a way that allows someone to move forward without being controlled by it.

Signs and Symptoms

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories: intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, changes in mood and thinking, and heightened reactivity. These symptoms persist for more than a month after the event and interfere with daily functioning.

Intrusive symptoms include unwanted memories that surface without warning, nightmares, and intense distress when something triggers a reminder of the experience. Some people describe flashbacks where the event feels as though it is happening again. Avoidance shows up as steering clear of places, people, conversations, or activities connected to the experience, and in some cases a deliberate effort to suppress thoughts or feelings related to it.

Changes in mood and thinking can include persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, difficulty feeling positive emotions, emotional numbness, and loss of interest in things that used to matter. Some people describe a sense of detachment from people who were previously close. Heightened reactivity includes being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, irritability or anger that feels out of proportion, trouble concentrating, and a persistent sense of being on guard.

In children, PTSD often presents differently than in adults. Younger children may regress to earlier behaviors such as bedwetting or clinginess. They may develop new fears that were not present before, reenact aspects of the experience through play, or have difficulty separating from caregivers. Adolescents may show more recognizable adult patterns but are also more likely to display irritability, reckless behavior, or withdrawal from peers.

How We Approach PTSD Treatment

The first step is a thorough evaluation that accounts for the person's history, current symptoms, and how daily life has been affected. For children and adolescents, we include the family in that conversation because parents and caregivers often hold pieces of the picture that the young person cannot articulate on their own.

Medication is not always the first intervention for PTSD, but when symptoms are severe enough to interfere with sleep, concentration, or the ability to engage in therapy and daily responsibilities, it can provide meaningful relief. We explain what medication can and cannot do for this condition, start conservatively, and monitor the response over time. For patients already working with a therapist, we coordinate closely so that the medication supports the therapeutic work.

PTSD frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and substance use. Treating the trauma response without accounting for those overlapping conditions often leads to incomplete improvement. We assess the full clinical picture and build a treatment plan that addresses what is actually present rather than focusing on a single diagnosis.

What to Expect

Your first appointment is an in-office psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Teitelbaum will review your history, ask about your symptoms, and take the time to understand what is going on before recommending a treatment plan. For children and adolescents, a parent or guardian is part of that conversation.

Follow-up visits are scheduled based on your individual needs. When starting or adjusting medication, more frequent check-ins help us monitor your response. Once treatment is stable, visits are typically less frequent.

After your first in-office visit, telehealth appointments are available for patients located in Florida. An in-office visit is required at least every six months.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone in your family is still struggling weeks or months after a frightening experience, and the symptoms are not improving on their own, a psychiatric evaluation is a reasonable next step. It can help determine whether PTSD or a related condition is present and what treatment options are available. You do not need a diagnosis to call. You do not need to be in crisis.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988). For non-emergency questions about scheduling or whether our practice is a good fit, call us at (561) 630-8530.