Conditions We Treat

To get more information and/or to speak with someone to determine your eligibility for evaluation, please call 888–514–5345 or complete this confidential form and we will contact you.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can result from a traumatic or life-threatening event such as military combat. Thousands of service members and veterans are affected by PTSD. Often, they resist seeking help because of negative ideas about PTSD or the fear of what others might think. PTSD can affect personal relationships and even destroy families.

Symptoms of PTSD can start immediately after the trauma or much later. Individuals affected by PTSD may feel haunted by memories and have a range of symptoms that can include:

• Nightmares and trouble sleeping
• Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts or images
• Strong startle reactions
• Problems with anger
• Constantly feeling overly alert or on edge
• Avoidance of crowds, social gatherings, driving in traffic, or other potential triggers
• Anxiety or panic attacks

TBI is an injury to the brain caused by outside trauma to the head. The trauma could be caused by a blow to the head, fall, motor vehicle accident, or blast from an explosion. TBIs can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how long the person is unconscious, confused, or unable to form new memories following the injury. Most TBIs are considered mild and are also referred to as a concussion.

Diagnosing TBIs can be challenging, so it’s important to work with a healthcare team familiar with them. Symptoms can be similar to other mental or physical conditions and may be attributed to the stress of combat. Symptoms of mild TBI usually resolve within a few weeks; however, some people have longer-lasting symptoms, called “prolonged post-concussion syndrome.” PTSD, depression, chronic pain, poor sleep, or the effects of some medicines can complicate TBIs.

Symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or sounds
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating
• Irritability and moodiness

Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment during military service. It can happen to men and women and includes any sexual activity in which a person is involved against his/her will. Individuals who have experienced MST may have been pressured into sexual activities (for example, with threats of negative consequences for refusing or with implied faster promotions or better treatment in exchange for sex). Further, individuals who have been subjected to MST may have been unable to consent because they were intoxicated or incapacitated. Alternatively, MST survivors may have been physically forced.

Military sexual trauma also includes:

• Unwanted sexual touching or grabbing
• Threatening, offensive remarks about a person’s body or sexual activities
• Threatening or unwelcome sexual advances
• Individuals who have experienced MST may be troubled by haunting memories and nightmares, anxiety or depression.
  

Symptoms of mild TBI usually resolve within a few weeks. However, some people have longer-lasting symptoms, called “prolonged post-concussion syndrome.” PTSD, depression, chronic pain, poor sleep, or the effects of some medicines can complicate TBI.

Everyone has some level of anxiety, but veterans and/or service members can have anxiety resulting from their service that interferes with daily life. Symptoms may include:

• Excessive and uncontrollable worry about relationships, work performance, safety or other concerns
• Fear of certain places or activities, such as driving or flying
• Panic attacks
• Upset stomach or digestion problems
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Problems concentrating

To get more information and/or to speak with someone to determine your eligibility for evaluation, please call 888–514–5345 or complete this confidential form and we will contact you.