Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists in Northbrook, IL
![Photo of Eitan D Schwarz, MD, DLFAPA, FAACAP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4326f82f-7cb2-40f2-935e-462001ec53c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer uniquely broad and deep expert experience and judgement, accumulated during a career marked by decades of consistent compassionate professional competence, helping folks of all ages with stresses at work, school, or in relationships, or unhappy with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma. Expect me to send you medical and other questionnaires to bring with you so we can be thorough and remain focused on your needs. You can usually count on some relief and a clear plan when you leave. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first week or two and sustained improvement thereafter.
I offer uniquely broad and deep expert experience and judgement, accumulated during a career marked by decades of consistent compassionate professional competence, helping folks of all ages with stresses at work, school, or in relationships, or unhappy with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma. Expect me to send you medical and other questionnaires to bring with you so we can be thorough and remain focused on your needs. You can usually count on some relief and a clear plan when you leave. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first week or two and sustained improvement thereafter.
![Photo of Eitan D Schwarz, MD, FAACAP, DLFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d943d58-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
A therapist psychiatrist blends intelligent psychotherapy and appropriate medication care. We’ll first meet for a thorough consultation to understand you and to map out your treatment plan, based on your strengths, always sensitive to your needs and preferences. I’ll serve you personally in your unique journey as your highly trained guide (Cornell, Johns Hopkins, U of Chicago) with 50+ years of continuous experience as a leading therapist and clinician of adults and children. I am also accomplished as a pioneer PTSD researcher, teacher, and forensic expert. (For videos, copy this into your browser: youtube.com/user/mydigitalfamily).
A therapist psychiatrist blends intelligent psychotherapy and appropriate medication care. We’ll first meet for a thorough consultation to understand you and to map out your treatment plan, based on your strengths, always sensitive to your needs and preferences. I’ll serve you personally in your unique journey as your highly trained guide (Cornell, Johns Hopkins, U of Chicago) with 50+ years of continuous experience as a leading therapist and clinician of adults and children. I am also accomplished as a pioneer PTSD researcher, teacher, and forensic expert. (For videos, copy this into your browser: youtube.com/user/mydigitalfamily).
![Photo of Robert Lloyd, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fb1ecaf-5028-42c2-8479-e41060368da3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have trained in multiple clinical environments previously, including a PTSD and brain injury clinic at the VA, women's mental health at Emory, physical rehabilitation center, and assisting patients on medical/ surgical services in the hospital.
My expertise is in treating mood, trauma, anxiety, and attention-related disorders. I take an integrative approach in considering the brain-body connection to treat mental illness, while identifying physical, emotional, and cognitive factors that impact treatment. My background is at the interface of medicine and psychiatry and I support a collaborative, multi-modal approach to helping patients achieve functional improvement and recovery. I am currently accepting new patients and see all patients in person for the initial consultation.
I have trained in multiple clinical environments previously, including a PTSD and brain injury clinic at the VA, women's mental health at Emory, physical rehabilitation center, and assisting patients on medical/ surgical services in the hospital.
My expertise is in treating mood, trauma, anxiety, and attention-related disorders. I take an integrative approach in considering the brain-body connection to treat mental illness, while identifying physical, emotional, and cognitive factors that impact treatment. My background is at the interface of medicine and psychiatry and I support a collaborative, multi-modal approach to helping patients achieve functional improvement and recovery. I am currently accepting new patients and see all patients in person for the initial consultation.
![Photo of Caroline Onischak, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de4353d8-82ad-4156-9b08-47a4439ffb7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Onischak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062
I care about you and want to know your story. I strive to make my patients feel heard, seen and understood, and provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental presence in which patients can feel comfortable sharing their past experiences and current hopes and goals. I combine this understanding with my expertise in medicine, neuroscience and trauma-informed care to develop the best treatments possible for you.
I care about you and want to know your story. I strive to make my patients feel heard, seen and understood, and provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental presence in which patients can feel comfortable sharing their past experiences and current hopes and goals. I combine this understanding with my expertise in medicine, neuroscience and trauma-informed care to develop the best treatments possible for you.
![Photo of Anna Hereth, PA-C, CAQ, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/383a6215-19eb-4a91-a6ed-6859bda6408b/2/320x400.jpeg)
With more than 12 years dedicated to the mental health field, my expertise lies in assisting clients seeking a psychiatric provider committed to attentive listening, advocating for their needs, and developing a patient-centered treatment plan customized to address their unique concerns and treatment objectives. I specialize in connecting with individuals who have faced trauma, and are experiencing anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, providing genuine attention to their concerns and prioritizing their goals.
With more than 12 years dedicated to the mental health field, my expertise lies in assisting clients seeking a psychiatric provider committed to attentive listening, advocating for their needs, and developing a patient-centered treatment plan customized to address their unique concerns and treatment objectives. I specialize in connecting with individuals who have faced trauma, and are experiencing anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, providing genuine attention to their concerns and prioritizing their goals.
![Photo of Albina Knight, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3decf411-dc47-453f-8370-944564eec131/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy assisting my clients with depression, anxiety, sleep concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive therapeutic environment.
I am a dually board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I hold a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a Family Nurse Practitioner certification. In my holistic practice, I provide mental health care services to adolescents and adults. I believe in integrative care that is based on the empathic understanding of my client’s physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
I enjoy assisting my clients with depression, anxiety, sleep concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive therapeutic environment.
I am a dually board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I hold a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a Family Nurse Practitioner certification. In my holistic practice, I provide mental health care services to adolescents and adults. I believe in integrative care that is based on the empathic understanding of my client’s physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
![Photo of Gina Mathew, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bdf0449-87f8-4086-abaf-d48cc2a4cf9e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Prior to becoming a PMHNP, I worked in an inpatient setting with a range of all ages but primarily with children and adolescents with behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a compassionate, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. I believe in providing optimal care through medication management and therapeutic skills.
Prior to becoming a PMHNP, I worked in an inpatient setting with a range of all ages but primarily with children and adolescents with behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I am a compassionate, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. I believe in providing optimal care through medication management and therapeutic skills.
![Photo of Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70f6caf8-66ef-4911-8f98-e4ada2423826/4/320x400.jpeg)
She treats depression, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, ADD, PTSD / trauma, irritability, stress, binger eating, chronic pain, alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, completed her training at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders and addiction in teens and adults. Dr. Seicean has published more than forty articles and been the recipient of multiple awards from: The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Psychiatric Association and The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she continues to be active in research and teaches psychopharmacology
She treats depression, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, ADD, PTSD / trauma, irritability, stress, binger eating, chronic pain, alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, completed her training at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders and addiction in teens and adults. Dr. Seicean has published more than forty articles and been the recipient of multiple awards from: The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Psychiatric Association and The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she continues to be active in research and teaches psychopharmacology
![Photo of Harmony Rich, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5347ca76-25b2-4cb4-92fb-edddbf76b1ab/3/320x400.jpeg)
Harmony Rich
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062
My areas of interest include sex-positivity, the LGBTQ+ community, trauma, and alternative lifestyles.
Getting help shouldn't be hard! Finding the right provider can often be worse than online dating. Are you looking for a medication prescriber who will spend time getting to know you, your unique needs, and actually explain treatment recommendations? I take an integrative and holistic approach to mental health. I focus on the whole person and use evidence-based treatments to guide care. I value the patient experience and want every client to feel fully informed and comfortable with their treatment recommendations. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental environment to help support your mental wellness goals.
My areas of interest include sex-positivity, the LGBTQ+ community, trauma, and alternative lifestyles.
Getting help shouldn't be hard! Finding the right provider can often be worse than online dating. Are you looking for a medication prescriber who will spend time getting to know you, your unique needs, and actually explain treatment recommendations? I take an integrative and holistic approach to mental health. I focus on the whole person and use evidence-based treatments to guide care. I value the patient experience and want every client to feel fully informed and comfortable with their treatment recommendations. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental environment to help support your mental wellness goals.
![Photo of Matthew Brown, DO, MBA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c9b7edc-b39f-4673-8a3a-db8daef6456f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Brown is a double board certified psychiatrist and treats children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Brown is an expert in the treatment of OCD. He will also work with clients regarding issues with PTSD, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD. Dr. Brown focuses largely on using supplements and other natural treatments such as a behavioral change to find a path forward. However, he does prescribe medications as well when needed. The goal of treatment is the less medication overall the better as long as the person is doing ok.
Dr. Brown is a double board certified psychiatrist and treats children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Brown is an expert in the treatment of OCD. He will also work with clients regarding issues with PTSD, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD. Dr. Brown focuses largely on using supplements and other natural treatments such as a behavioral change to find a path forward. However, he does prescribe medications as well when needed. The goal of treatment is the less medication overall the better as long as the person is doing ok.
![Photo of Alexia Copenhaver, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9fb1504-d9f5-43d6-bd13-a039ee8b6102/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a Wellness Hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine or Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, Infusion therapy, Art therapy, Hypnosis, Breath work, VR exposure therapy, EMDR, Movement and Somatic work. We also offer trusted resources for overcoming substance abuse issues.
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a Wellness Hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine or Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, Infusion therapy, Art therapy, Hypnosis, Breath work, VR exposure therapy, EMDR, Movement and Somatic work. We also offer trusted resources for overcoming substance abuse issues.
![Photo of Emily Schaffer, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3fec7f8-c3e1-4467-9403-d48f71362b77/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a Wellness Hub of solutions to each client's unique needs. As a Physician Assistant, Emily has a passion for the intricacies of psychiatry and takes the time to get to know each of her patients' unique backgrounds and needs. She has extensive experience helping adults of all ages manage and overcome anxiety, stress, depression and other conditions. Emily previously served as Physician Assistant at Clarity Clinic.
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a Wellness Hub of solutions to each client's unique needs. As a Physician Assistant, Emily has a passion for the intricacies of psychiatry and takes the time to get to know each of her patients' unique backgrounds and needs. She has extensive experience helping adults of all ages manage and overcome anxiety, stress, depression and other conditions. Emily previously served as Physician Assistant at Clarity Clinic.
![Photo of Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1556d35f-0593-475c-a4f5-5e7a113b0903/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating addictions, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders. She has helped thousands of remarkable people with their illnesses. Her knowledge of eating disorders and addiction isn’t just limited to her academic and clinical experience, having had her own personal experience as a woman in recovery from an eating disorder and alcoholism. She is able to combine her personal journey with her medical training to help SunCloud Health patients become emotionally strong, responsible problem-solvers, who are inspired to create fulfilling lives for themselves.
Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating addictions, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders. She has helped thousands of remarkable people with their illnesses. Her knowledge of eating disorders and addiction isn’t just limited to her academic and clinical experience, having had her own personal experience as a woman in recovery from an eating disorder and alcoholism. She is able to combine her personal journey with her medical training to help SunCloud Health patients become emotionally strong, responsible problem-solvers, who are inspired to create fulfilling lives for themselves.
![Photo of Vibhuti Patel, PMHNP, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21c3ac13-9b9f-4fb4-b216-47f3b8ce84a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a Wellness Hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine or Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, Infusion therapy, Art therapy, Hypnosis, Breath work, VR exposure therapy, EMDR, Movement and Somatic work. We also offer trusted resources for overcoming substance abuse issues.
At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a Wellness Hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine or Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, Infusion therapy, Art therapy, Hypnosis, Breath work, VR exposure therapy, EMDR, Movement and Somatic work. We also offer trusted resources for overcoming substance abuse issues.
![Photo of Yuzhen Zeng, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0e1f1f7-5bf6-463b-8c85-e486d0ebfd51/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yuzhen Zeng
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062
I believe in taking an integrated approach to treatment. I practice a non-judgmental style and aim to be welcoming to patients of all backgrounds, as each person’s journey is unique. When formulating an approach to medication, I keep the patient’s history and experiences top of mind. My goal is to work side by side helping patients find answers within, as they know themselves the best. By working together through challenges and stressful times, I hope to help my patients walk away with a better understanding of themselves and the relationship between medication and therapy.
I believe in taking an integrated approach to treatment. I practice a non-judgmental style and aim to be welcoming to patients of all backgrounds, as each person’s journey is unique. When formulating an approach to medication, I keep the patient’s history and experiences top of mind. My goal is to work side by side helping patients find answers within, as they know themselves the best. By working together through challenges and stressful times, I hope to help my patients walk away with a better understanding of themselves and the relationship between medication and therapy.
![Photo of Melissa Stefanowicz, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/510c3c48-a6de-410b-acd0-a35c56d7fbf9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Stefanowicz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062
Melissa Stefanowicz is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has experience in providing medication management and brief psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. Melissa values her relationship with her clients and prioritizes physical, emotional and spiritual needs as a whole person approach. She aims to provide a safe and nonjudgemental environment. Melissa understands how the therapeutic relationship between provider and patient can play a positive role in patient’s long-term success.
Melissa Stefanowicz is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has experience in providing medication management and brief psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. Melissa values her relationship with her clients and prioritizes physical, emotional and spiritual needs as a whole person approach. She aims to provide a safe and nonjudgemental environment. Melissa understands how the therapeutic relationship between provider and patient can play a positive role in patient’s long-term success.
![Photo of Chrisantha E Anandappa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/902d8bf5-04d4-465b-9d14-1bf91ca4a20d/1/320x400.png)
My ideal client seeks to improve their well-being, facing mental health conditions and substance use disorders. They desire a personalized approach, evidence-based practices, and a supportive environment. Their goal is to regain control, rebuild relationships, and live a fulfilling life. I provide knowledge, tools, and support to empower their growth and transformation. Let's connect to discuss your specific needs.
My ideal client seeks to improve their well-being, facing mental health conditions and substance use disorders. They desire a personalized approach, evidence-based practices, and a supportive environment. Their goal is to regain control, rebuild relationships, and live a fulfilling life. I provide knowledge, tools, and support to empower their growth and transformation. Let's connect to discuss your specific needs.
![Photo of Teresa Poprawski - Relief Mental Health, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6774f9fb-4e3b-4322-98af-063d99200c4e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Poprawski specializes in the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to treat depression, OCD, and other diagnoses. Through collaboration with all providers Dr. Poprawski has a proven track record of outstanding outcomes in the field of neuropsychiatry. Her commitment to providing the best patient care is unparalleled and contagious with patients and her peers. She uses multiple modalities in conjunction with TMS to create the best possible outcomes and efficacy. Dr. Poprawski values the goals of her patients and treats all patients with individualized care.
Dr. Poprawski specializes in the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to treat depression, OCD, and other diagnoses. Through collaboration with all providers Dr. Poprawski has a proven track record of outstanding outcomes in the field of neuropsychiatry. Her commitment to providing the best patient care is unparalleled and contagious with patients and her peers. She uses multiple modalities in conjunction with TMS to create the best possible outcomes and efficacy. Dr. Poprawski values the goals of her patients and treats all patients with individualized care.
![Photo of Teresa Poprawski - Relief Mental Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f92c025f-0257-4b33-9b80-2f7bd25738fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Poprawski specializes in the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat depression, OCD, and other diagnoses. Through collaboration with all providers at Relief, Dr. Poprawski has a proven track record of outstanding outcomes in the field of neuropsychiatry. Her commitment to providing the best patient care is unparalleled and contagious with patients and her peers. She uses multiple modalities in conjunction with TMS to create the best possible outcomes and efficacy. Dr. Poprawski values the goals of her patients and treats all patients with individualized care.
Dr. Poprawski specializes in the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat depression, OCD, and other diagnoses. Through collaboration with all providers at Relief, Dr. Poprawski has a proven track record of outstanding outcomes in the field of neuropsychiatry. Her commitment to providing the best patient care is unparalleled and contagious with patients and her peers. She uses multiple modalities in conjunction with TMS to create the best possible outcomes and efficacy. Dr. Poprawski values the goals of her patients and treats all patients with individualized care.
![Photo of Robin J Shapiro, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be68c44-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I take time to get to know my patients and their concerns. Within the scope of general adult and child and adolescent psychiatry I offer evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, family sessions and consultations, as well as school consultations and evaluations. I have a special interest in eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and ADHD. My practice is open to other general psychiatric needs as well.
I pride myself on getting to know my patients and their needs. I also routinely work with families to understand and cope with their loved one's illness. I use evidence based medicine and the most up to date practices.
I take time to get to know my patients and their concerns. Within the scope of general adult and child and adolescent psychiatry I offer evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, family sessions and consultations, as well as school consultations and evaluations. I have a special interest in eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and ADHD. My practice is open to other general psychiatric needs as well.
I pride myself on getting to know my patients and their needs. I also routinely work with families to understand and cope with their loved one's illness. I use evidence based medicine and the most up to date practices.
See more therapy options for Northbrook
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists Searches for Northbrook
- Arlington Heights
- Buffalo Grove
- Deerfield
- Des Plaines
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Lake Forest
- Lincolnshire
- Park Ridge
- Skokie
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.