Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

and other disorders related to trauma

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

People have a wide range of responses to traumatic and highly stressful events, which may include anxiety, sadness, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and more; these reactions typically reduce over time. However, for some people, such at those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, reactions to trauma are persistent, severe, and highly impactful to one’s life. People with PTSD often have persistent fear and stress though they are no longer in danger.

Though the diagnosis of PTSD was first recognized in soldiers, the field of psychology now recognizes PTSD and trauma reactions occur as a result of a variety of highly stressful events, including but not limited to car accidents, abuse, assault, and death of a loved one.

    • Intrusive and distressing memories of the traumatic event

    • Nightmares

    • Flashbacks or feeling as if the event were recurring

    • Avoidance of reminders of the event, such as not returning to the place it occurred or refusing to talk about what happened

    • Loss of memory for part or all of the event

    • Negative beliefs about the self, the world, or the future

    • Persistent sadness, anger, loss of happiness

    • Angry outbursts

    • Feeling on-edge

    • Easily startled

    • Difficulty falling or staying asleep

    • Distrust in others

    • Difficulty connecting with friends and family

    • Persistent emotional pain, depression, anxiety

    • Feeling loss of meaning in life

    • Loneliness

    • Rejection of caregivers

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may significantly impact a person’s life, work, school, social relationships, and overall wellbeing. Individuals with PTSD may feel that life feels less fulfilling and may struggle to meet their basic needs in life. Testing for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can help connect individuals to helpful resources to heal from trauma, access work or academic supports, foster self-compassion and increasing social connection. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, many individuals with PTSD are able to heal from the impacts of trauma, resume active engagement in their lives, and re-connect with what is important to them.

Formal PTSD and other-trauma testing is recommended to provide accurate diagnoses, rule-out other possible mental health concerns that could be present, and can provide useful recommendations and resources to help a person find healing.

Why test for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms?

What does PTSD and other Trauma testing involve?

Clinical Intake

  • Review of trauma and PTSD symptoms

  • Review of other possible symptoms of mental health concerns

  • Comprehensive psychological, physical, social, academic, and occupational history

  • Discussion of client’s goals for testing

  • Broadband assessment of trauma symptoms and severity

  • Self- and other- report measures of Trauma and PTSD and other psychological symptoms

  • Broadband assessment of personality and emotional functioning

  • Other assessments specifically chosen for the client based on their unique presenting concerns and goals

Testing Appointment

  • Thorough written testing report with recommendations and referrals provided

  • Review results of the testing

  • Diagnoses are provided and explained

  • Explore recommendations for treatment

  • Review any referrals that may be provided

  • Process the results and ask any questions

Feedback Session