What Is PTSD? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

at Lyte Psychiatry, Best Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You) Dallas & Arlington, TX

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While many people face difficult situations in life, PTSD occurs when those experiences continue to trigger distressing symptoms long after the event has ended.

At Lyte Psychiatry, serving Dallas & Arlington, TX, our experienced team of therapists and psychiatrists helps adults and adolescents recognize the signs of PTSD, understand how it affects daily life, and find effective treatment to reclaim peace of mind.

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can develop after any traumatic event, including:

🔹 Military combat

🔹 Physical or sexual assault

🔹 Severe accidents or injuries

🔹 Natural disasters

🔹 Sudden loss of a loved one

🔹 Childhood abuse or neglect

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Factors like personal resilience, support systems, and genetics can influence whether PTSD develops.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories:

1. Intrusive Memories:

✔️ Flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic event

✔️ Distressing thoughts that come unexpectedly

1. Avoidance:

✔️ Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger memories

✔️ Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones

1. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:

✔️ Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness

✔️ Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

✔️ Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

1. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions:

✔️ Being easily startled or feeling “on edge”

✔️ Trouble sleeping or concentrating

✔️ Irritability, anger, or reckless behavior

If these symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life, it may be PTSD.

Seek Professional Help for Trauma at Lyte Psychiatry (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You) Located In Dallas & Arlington, TX

Living with PTSD can feel isolating and overwhelming, but healing is possible. At Lyte Psychiatry in Dallas & Arlington, TX, our compassionate team provides evidence-based care for adults and adolescents struggling with trauma.

We’ll walk with you step by step — helping you understand your symptoms, find effective treatment, and rebuild a life filled with safety, connection, and hope.

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Call us if you have questions at 469-733-0848

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PTSD go away on its own?

A: Sometimes symptoms improve over time, but professional treatment often leads to faster and more lasting recovery.

Q: What’s the difference between PTSD and acute stress disorder?

A: Acute stress disorder occurs within the first month after trauma, while PTSD lasts longer than one month and can persist for years if untreated.

Q: Can children develop PTSD?

A: Yes. Children and teens can develop PTSD after trauma, though symptoms may look different than in adults.

Q: What therapies are most effective for PTSD?

A: Trauma-focused therapy, CBT, and EMDR are among the most effective treatments.

Q: Does Lyte Psychiatry offer telehealth treatment for PTSD?

A: Yes! We provide both in-person and virtual appointments for residents of Dallas & Arlington, TX.