Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in response to prolonged or repeated trauma. While similar to traditional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), CPTSD includes additional symptoms that reflect the long-term effects of sustained trauma, often experienced in childhood or abusive relationships. Follow along as we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for complex PTSD and provide insight for those affected.
Complex PTSD arises from exposure to chronic trauma, typically occurring over months or years. Unlike PTSD, which can develop after a single traumatic event, CPTSD is associated with situations where escape feels impossible, such as:
The condition is recognized by leading mental health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it is not yet a standalone diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
CPTSD shares core symptoms with PTSD, such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, and hyperarousal. However, it also includes additional symptoms, often referred to as disturbances in self-organization (DSO):
The primary cause of complex PTSD is prolonged exposure to trauma, especially in situations involving power imbalances, betrayal, or lack of control. Examples include:
The key factor is the ongoing nature of the trauma, which prevents individuals from recovering between events. Continued exposure to such environments often leads to a deeply ingrained sense of fear, mistrust, and helplessness that persists even after the trauma ends.
Effective treatment for complex PTSD involves a combination of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual’s needs. Common treatment options include:
If you or someone you know may be experiencing complex PTSD, reaching out for professional help is crucial. Recovery often begins with acknowledging the trauma and seeking a compassionate, experienced therapist who specializes in trauma-informed care, like the therapists at KindlyMD. Schedule an appointment today or poke around our website to learn more about our mental health services.
Complex PTSD is a challenging condition, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can empower individuals to take the first steps toward healing. By raising awareness and fostering compassion, we can create a supportive environment for those affected by CPTSD. Recovery is a journey that requires time, patience, and the right tools, but it is possible.
While commonly associated with children, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects individuals of all genders and ages. For women, ADHD symptoms are often subtle and less recognized, which can make diagnosis challenging. Many women may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, resulting in feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. Understanding ADHD symptoms in women is key to accurately diagnose and effectively treat it, especially as many adult ADHD symptoms differ from the more common portrayals of the disorder.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While often diagnosed in childhood, symptoms can persist into adulthood, sometimes becoming more challenging to identify as individuals age. ADHD affects both men and women, but the way it manifests in women can differ significantly from men. According to experts at Cleveland Clinic, women may experience more internalized symptoms, making it harder for them to find a diagnosis or seek appropriate care.
1. Inattention and Disorganization
One of the hallmark adult ADHD symptoms in women is difficulty maintaining focus, staying organized, and completing tasks. Women with ADHD may often find themselves distracted or unable to prioritize, leading to problems at home, in the workplace, or in social settings. This can include:
These symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to being "busy" or "overwhelmed," and are thus commonly overlooked by healthcare professionals, contributing to delayed diagnosis.
2. Emotional Dysregulation
Another common ADHD symptom in women is emotional dysregulation, which refers to difficulty managing emotions. Women with ADHD often experience intense mood swings, irritability, and feelings of overwhelm. The emotional symptoms of ADHD can be easily misinterpreted as anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. Women with ADHD may often feel like they are "on edge" or have trouble handling stress, which leads to:
These emotional symptoms can be particularly difficult to manage and often result in lower self-esteem and higher levels of stress, making it harder to recognize ADHD as the underlying cause.
3. Chronic Procrastination
Procrastination is one of the most common and debilitating adult ADHD symptoms in women and men alike. Women with ADHD may struggle with starting or completing tasks, especially if they are complex or require sustained focus. This delay in getting things done can often be perceived as laziness, but it is usually a result of ADHD-related challenges such as difficulty with time management, task prioritization, and focus. Symptoms may include:
This pattern can result in stress and anxiety, especially when deadlines approach, or with neglect of other responsibilities.
4. Hyperfocus
While inattention is a key symptom of ADHD, another trait that many women with ADHD experience is the ability to "hyperfocus" on certain tasks or activities. When hyperfocused, a person may become so engrossed in a particular activity that they lose track of time and neglect other responsibilities. For women with ADHD, hyperfocus can manifest in various ways, including:
While hyperfocus boosts productivity, it often causes problems with and neglect of important tasks — such as household chores, social obligations, or professional responsibilities.
5. Sleep Issues
Women with ADHD often experience trouble sleeping. They may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, occassionally exacerbated by racing thoughts or hyperactivity. As Cleveland Clinic explains, women with ADHD may also struggle with irregular sleep patterns, which further affect their energy levels and focus during the day. These sleep-related issues can include:
These sleep disturbances not only worsen ADHD symptoms but also contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
6. Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behavior
Though less noticeable than hyperactivity, impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD in women. This may include making hasty decisions without considering the consequences, such as uninhibited spending, overeating, or acting without thinking. Impulsivity in women with ADHD might manifest as:
While impulsivity can sometimes lead to creative breakthroughs or spontaneity, it can also result in regrets and problematic life choices.
While ADHD affects both men and women, there are notable differences in how it manifests between the genders. In women, ADHD symptoms tend to be more internalized, which can make the disorder more difficult to recognize. Some key differences include:
If you suspect that you or a woman you know may have ADHD, seeking a professional evaluation is essential. A Care Provider at KindlyMD can assess symptoms and determine if ADHD is the cause of difficulties in attention, organization, and emotional regulation. Diagnosis typically involves:
Treatment for ADHD generally includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, may also be prescribed for individuals who do not respond well to stimulants. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies can also help women with ADHD manage emotional regulation, improve time management skills, and cope with stress.
Understanding ADHD symptoms in women is critical for ensuring that women receive the diagnosis and treatment they need to improve their quality of life. Many women with ADHD experience symptoms like inattention, emotional dysregulation, procrastination, and impulsivity that often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed as other mental health issues. By recognizing the unique presentation of adult ADHD symptoms in women, healthcare providers can offer more tailored and effective care. If you suspect ADHD is affecting your life, don't hesitate to reach out to schedule with one of our compassionate Care Providers or therapists. Our integrated care team can help you feel better with a custom combination of medication management, behavioral healthcare, and alternative treatments, as needed.
Anxiety affects millions of people in this country, yet it often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. While occasional feelings of nervousness or worry are part of life, persistent anxiety can be debilitating. In this article, we will discuss how to identify anxiety symptoms, explore effective medication for anxiety, and learn when it's time to seek professional help at an anxiety treatment center like KindlyMD.
Anxiety can manifest in many ways, depending on the person. Some individuals may experience physical anxiety symptoms, while others may struggle more with emotional or cognitive challenges. Here are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety:
1. Constant Worry
If you find yourself frequently worrying about things that aren't typically stressful, such as small daily tasks or future events, it could be a sign of generalized anxiety. This excessive worry can become overwhelming and difficult to control.
2. Physical Symptoms
Anxiety can take a toll on your body. Common physical symptoms include:
These symptoms often make anxiety feel like a physical condition, which can lead to confusion about whether it’s an emotional issue or something more serious.
3. Difficulty Sleeping
Anxiety often disrupts sleep, whether it's due to racing thoughts or the physical discomfort of restlessness. Insomnia, or trouble falling and staying asleep, is a hallmark symptom of anxiety.
4. Avoidance Behavior
People with anxiety often avoid certain situations that trigger their symptoms. This can lead to social isolation, missed opportunities, and a decreased ability to manage daily responsibilities.
5. Irrational Fears or Panic Attacks
For some, anxiety presents itself as overwhelming fear or panic, often without a clear trigger. Panic attacks can be intense and frightening, with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and feelings of impending doom. These episodes can sometimes make everyday activities feel impossible.
For many individuals, managing anxiety through lifestyle changes, therapy, and relaxation techniques is sufficient. However, when anxiety symptoms become chronic and impact your daily life, medication may be necessary to help restore balance.
Anxiety medication can provide relief from the overwhelming symptoms, enabling you to function more effectively in your day-to-day activities. Common types of medication include:
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of anxiety treatment for your specific needs.
If your anxiety is becoming too difficult to manage on your own, reach out to a professional at an anxiety treatment center that can offer a comprehensive approach to healing, like KindlyMD. Our integrated Care Team will assess your condition and tailor an individualized care plan with a combination of therapy, medication management, and alternative treatments.
At KindlyMD, you’ll not only get access to medical professionals but also gain a supportive environment where you can address the root causes of your anxiety. This holistic approach ensures that you receive both emotional and medical support, empowering you to live a life with less fear and more control. Experts in conservative & alternative mental healthcare, KindlyMD therapists and Behavioral Health Clinicians treat mental health disorders from a place of openness and compassion.
By recognizing anxiety symptoms early, you can take proactive steps toward managing your condition and regaining control over your life. Don’t wait for your anxiety to get worse. Schedule an appointment at our clinic today to learn more about the anxiety treatment options we offer. Our dedicated Care Team is here to support you every step of the way.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the list of therapeutic modalities KindlyMD therapists are trained in. Despite being one of the most utilized therapies in modern mental health, so many people either know nothing about CBT or misunderstand what it is.
We hope to clear up some of the confusion by educating our patients about CBT. This post may be a starting point for you. CBT is an extremely helpful therapy for a variety of mental health conditions. But even people without diagnosed conditions can benefit from it.
The first thing to know is that CBT is a talking therapy. Its roots go back millennia. However, the modern practice of CBT was first developed in the 1950s as a potential means of modifying learning and behavior by paying attention to cognition.
In the simplest possible terms, CBT is rooted in thoughts – i.e., cognition. A person's thoughts on any particular matter influence feelings and behaviors. So by changing one's thoughts and behaviors, one can also change the way they feel. It is an oversimplification but one that illustrates the basic premise of CBT well enough.
People once thought of CBT as being suitable only for people with severe mental illness. We no longer believe that to be true. In fact, CBT has proven itself helpful in so many ways. Here are just a few examples:
CBT has also been harnessed to help manage physical symptoms. For example, CBT is now a common tool in pain medicine to help manage chronic pain. It can be used in the treatment of PTSD, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and many more.
Here's something else fascinating about CBT: unlike many other types of psychotherapy, CBT is not open ended. It is goal oriented and time limited. Complete the goals and you complete the therapy.
Although therapists are free to conduct CBT with some flexibility, most follow a general 4-step process as follows:
One last thing to note as we close this post is that CBT tends to run a course of 5-20 sessions. At the conclusion, a patient should walk away thinking differently and, when necessary, coping more effectively.
So there you have it. Now you know the basics of CBT. It is one of a number of therapies we offer at KindlyMD. We'd be happy to sit and discuss it in more depth if you think you might benefit from our mental health services.
It has been estimated that upwards of 6% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at least once in their lives. Interestingly, PTSD does not have to be a permanent condition. For most people, it is not. They eventually recover and get back to life as normal. But for those for whom PTSD is a permanent thing, management is critical.
One of the questions we get asked a lot, at least in terms of obtaining a Utah Med Card, is whether there are alternative therapies for managing PTSD. In a word, yes. The Utah Med Card represents just one of them. Every case of PTSD doesn't have to be treated with either a prescription or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It is not that either of those options is bad or inappropriate. Rather, it is simply that there are other options available.
Known formally as post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by some sort of event traumatic enough to have a lasting impact on mental health. It is most often associated with active military service. In that regard, the condition existed long before we began calling it PTSD.
Soldiers returning from WWI and WWII were said to be suffering from battle fatigue if they exhibited PTSD symptoms. But even as far back as the mid-19th century, the condition was observed among soldiers. Perhaps that's why we associate PTSD with military service.
Nonetheless, PTSD can be triggered by all sorts of traumatic events, including:
It is also worth noting that an individual does not have to experience the traumatic event firsthand. Just watching it unfold can be enough to trigger PTSD. If PTSD is severe enough, it can completely disrupt a person's life. It can even damage relationships.
Unfortunately, not all our attempts to treat PTSD have worked. Over the last hundred years or so, we have tried a combination of prescription medications and psychotherapy. Some combinations have worked quite well while others have not. In addition, it is no secret that people react differently to their treatments.
One of the alternative treatments that seems to be gaining traction is plant-based medicines made available through Med Cards. Here in Utah, PTSD is a qualifying condition for our Med Card program, and it’s the second most common condition for which patients receive Med Cards. Obtaining a card gives a PTSD patient access to medicines that are not available in any other way.
Will plant-based medicines do the trick all by themselves? There is no way to know for sure. Again, each PTSD patient responds to treatment differently. But if plant-based medicines are not enough, they can be combined with a variety of additional treatments. Here at Kindly MD, those treatments include mental health services provided by trained therapists.
Our philosophy is one of keeping an open mind regarding alternative treatments. We believe alternative treatments deserve more attention for one particularly important reason: getting better is the goal. Whether you are dealing with PTSD, chronic pain, cancer, or any other condition, you seek out healthcare services because you want to get better. We offer them because we want the same thing for you.
Maintaining a closed-minded approach to medicine does not help anyone. It certainly doesn't help a patient who has tried every conventional treatment without success. Fortunately, there are alternative treatments for most conditions. It is a matter of finding available treatments and then talking them over with a healthcare provider. We encourage doing just that if you have been diagnosed with PTSD.
KindlyMD's commitment to comprehensive care motivates us to offer mental health services from licensed therapists. Our therapists work with patients who need help with conditions ranging from anxiety to depression and PTSD. But there are times when therapy alone is not enough. At those times, therapist and patient can consider adding alternative medicines to the treatment plan.
Alternative medicines are not considered traditional treatments for the condition a therapist is addressing. Oftentimes, they involve getting a Utah Med Card that gives a patient access to plant-based medicines. Our commitment to providing comprehensive care means that we want our patients to have as many treatment options as possible.
It is important to make the point that a patient doesn't have to be struggling with a major issue to benefit from therapy and alternative medicines. Yes, some of our patients are struggling with the very real consequences of PTSD. But others are experiencing relationship stress or difficulty with parenting.
Believe it or not, just about everyone could benefit from a little bit of therapy. We live in a highly stressful world that can be overwhelming at times. A few sessions of therapy could be just what a person needs to get back on track. All of that notwithstanding, adding alternative medicines to a treatment plan can make all the difference in the world for some patients.
One of the more common therapy treatments for PTSD is something known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a talking therapy that focuses heavily on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therapist and patient work together to understand why the patient thinks and feels the way he does. Then they draw correlations between those thoughts and feelings and the patient's behavior.
Ultimately, the goal is to introduce new ways of thinking that positively impact feelings and behaviors. And yet, PTSD is known for symptoms capable of affecting patients physically. When physical symptoms cannot be overcome with CBT alone, alternative medicines are another option.
Alternative medicines might be offered to relieve anxiety and the physical symptoms that come with it. Likewise for PTSD-related depression. If a plant-based medicine can reduce a patient's anxiety, other PTSD symptoms could be alleviated as well.
Some PTSD patients experience recurring flashbacks along with nightmares and insomnia. Unfortunately, frequent episodes can set up a recurring cycle that is hard to break. For example, a PTSD patient may have trouble sleeping due to nightmares. But the less sleep she gets, the more likely she is to experience additional nightmares along with the anxiety they produce. In turn, they affect her sleep even more.
Alternative medicines secured with a Utah Med Card can help break the cycle. They can help reduce anxiety and improve a patient's sleep. And with eight hours of quality sleep every night, PTSD symptoms are more likely to diminish.
PTSD is just one condition that could be treated with a combination of therapy and alternative medicines. Rather than dismissing the possibilities, we encourage you to at least talk about it with a trained therapist. KindlyMD therapists are ready and waiting to help.
When therapy isn't enough to help patients overcome their mental health challenges, care can often be enhanced with alternative medicines. Given that we focus on comprehensive care, we would be remiss by not considering those alternative meds.
Few things are as important to people as physical and mental health. How often do we hear people say something like, "you don't have anything if you don't have your health?" Enjoying good health is key to living the best life possible, which is why we include trauma-informed care (TIC) in our treatment approach.
Everything we do at KindlyMD revolves around helping patients feel better. We want patients to take control of their own healthcare while simultaneously utilizing the alternative treatments we recommend. But that is not possible if we, as medical providers, don't look at a patient's case from every angle. That leads us right back to TIC.
TIC takes a unique approach to healthcare by accounting for how trauma impacts a patient. Nearly everyone experiences trauma at some point in our lives. For many people, a significant trauma is serious enough to influence both physical and mental health. We need to account for that in creating tailored treatment plans and making recommendations for care.
Trauma-informed care isn't a single methodology or treatment protocol. It doesn't create a tunnel-visioned view of patient care. Quite to the contrary, TIC accounts for a variety of different factors that all work together to improve outcomes. TIC is built on five key principles:
When all five principles guide TIC, patients end up being treated as individuals with their own unique circumstances and needs. They are no longer just numbers on a daily patient load report. That's the way healthcare delivery should be.
We embrace trauma-informed care in all our clinics because we recognize that you are more than just your condition. Far too often, patients and medical providers do not think beyond the patient's condition and its immediate symptoms. The end result is a treatment with a single goal of alleviating those symptoms. We don't work that way here at KindlyMD.
In addition to the condition that you are suffering from, you have a medical and mental health history. You have a normal lifestyle and routine. You need to live your life according to your circumstances and surroundings. Trauma may or may not be part of the mix.
If there is trauma in your life, it could be affecting your physical and mental health. We want to be informed of that trauma so we can account for it in our tailored treatment plans.
Not all medical professionals practice trauma-informed care. There is nothing we can do about that. But at KindlyMD, TIC is part of our treatment approach. If you are dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, and other chronic conditions that often have trauma attached, we are here to help. We offer alternative treatments along with full support, education, and compassionate care.
At KindlyMD, we believe in holistic healthcare that encompasses not just the physical aspects but also the emotional and mental well-being of our patients. Today, we want to discuss a topic that often gets overlooked but is of paramount importance: the intersection of chronic pain and mental health. Emerging research is shedding light on the profound impact that mental health support can have on managing chronic pain effectively. Join us as we explore the connection and the benefits of a comprehensive approach to your well-being.
Chronic pain isn't just about physical discomfort; it can take a toll on your mental and emotional state. Studies have shown that individuals dealing with chronic pain often experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This complex relationship creates a vicious cycle where the pain exacerbates mental health issues, and those issues, in turn, intensify the perception of pain.
A 2019 study published in the "Journal of Pain Research" found that chronic pain patients with comorbid anxiety or depression reported higher pain intensity and reduced quality of life compared to those without these mental health conditions. This highlights the need to address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional well-being of chronic pain sufferers.
At KindlyMD, we understand the intricate connection between chronic pain and mental health. Our compassionate team of healthcare professionals is committed to providing comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of your pain. Our personalized treatment plans include a combination of traditional medicine, alternative treatments, and mental health support to ensure you receive the holistic care you deserve.
Chronic pain is more than just physical discomfort; it's a complex experience that impacts every aspect of your life. The KindlyMD team is here to support you on your path to healing. Remember, you're not alone, and a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support can make all the difference. Let's work together towards a brighter, pain-free future. We can break the cycle of chronic pain and help you regain the quality of life you deserve. Contact us today or schedule now to embark on a journey toward healing, where your mental well-being is just as crucial as your physical health.
