Founder
Dr. Roland Segal is a leading psychiatrist with extensive experience and is the Managing Partner and MD Psychiatrist at Legacy Recovery Center. After earning his medical degree from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, he completed general psychiatry training at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, and advanced his expertise through a forensic psychiatry fellowship at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.
With over a decade of diverse experience in clinical, administrative, and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Segal is double board-certified in General and Forensic Psychiatry. His previous roles include Chief Medical Officer at Valley Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society. He has also served as the legislative committee chair and contributed to numerous state and national boards, committees, and organizations. Additionally, Dr. Segal teaches as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, mentoring medical students and residents.
Dr. Segal acts as an expert psychiatry consultant for multiple superior and regional courts, including those in Maricopa and Yuma counties, Salt River, as well as city governments like Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Mesa. He also consults for prominent organizations such as the United States Postal Service, Social Security Administration, Immigration Health Services, and the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
Guided by principles of objectivity, ethics, mindfulness, and cultural awareness, Dr. Segal remains dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive psychiatric care, impacting lives across Arizona and beyond.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more common than most people realize. Affecting individuals from all walks of life, PTSD arises after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Whether it stems from combat, abuse, accidents, or natural disasters, PTSD disrupts mental, emotional, and physical well-being in deeply personal ways. We are going to explore the symptoms of PTSD, how they affect people, and what treatment options are available. Understanding these signs can be the first step toward healing, for yourself or someone you care about.
What Are the Core Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories. While everyone’s experience varies, these patterns are consistent enough that clinicians use them as diagnostic criteria:
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Intrusive thoughts or memories
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Avoidance behaviors
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Negative changes in thinking or mood
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Heightened arousal or reactivity
Let’s dive deeper into each.
Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks
People with PTSD often relive the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts. These experiences can feel just as intense as the original event. It’s as if the brain hasn’t processed the trauma, forcing the memory to loop endlessly.
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Nightmares that mimic the traumatic event
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Involuntary flashbacks during the day
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Distress triggered by reminders of the trauma
These symptoms can make daily life unpredictable and emotionally exhausting.
Avoidance Behaviors and Emotional Numbing
Many individuals with PTSD avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. This could be places, people, conversations, or even thoughts.
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Refusing to talk about the event
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Skipping locations that bring up memories
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Withdrawing from loved ones or isolating socially
Avoidance may offer short-term relief, but it can fuel long-term emotional suppression and isolation.
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition
PTSD doesn’t just make people feel bad, it actually changes how they think and feel.
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Ongoing guilt, shame, or blame (especially self-blame)
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Hopelessness about the future
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Feeling detached from others
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Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
These mental shifts can mimic depression and can erode personal relationships and self-esteem over time.
Heightened Arousal and Reactivity
One hallmark symptom of PTSD is a persistent state of hypervigilance. The brain is locked in “survival mode,” ready to respond to danger even when none exists.
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Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
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Irritability, anger outbursts, or aggressive behavior
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Exaggerated startle response
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Difficulty concentrating
Over time, these symptoms contribute to burnout, fatigue, and increased physical health problems.
PTSD in Men vs. Women
PTSD affects both genders, but the symptoms can manifest differently. Men often show more external symptoms like anger or substance abuse, while women may exhibit stronger emotional and internal symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
PTSD in Children and Teens
Children and adolescents can experience PTSD too, though their symptoms may look different. Common signs include:
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Bedwetting after potty training
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Clinginess or separation anxiety
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Aggressive behavior or acting out in school
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Nightmares unrelated to the trauma
Early diagnosis is essential for reducing long-term developmental impacts.
The Role of Triggers
A trigger is anything such as sight, sound, smell, or situation that brings up memories of the trauma. Triggers can lead to panic attacks, disassociation, or aggressive reactions.
Examples of common PTSD triggers:
| Type of Trigger | Examples |
|---|---|
| Sensory | Loud noises, certain smells, flashing lights |
| Emotional | Feeling powerless, being criticized |
| Situational | Crowded spaces, being alone, returning to the trauma site |
Learning to identify and manage triggers is a key part of recovery.
Co-Occurring Disorders
PTSD rarely exists alone. Many individuals also struggle with:
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Anxiety disorders
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Major depressive disorder
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Substance use disorders
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Bipolar disorder
In fact, the link between PTSD and addiction is well-established. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is a common yet dangerous coping method.
When Symptoms Become Debilitating
Some symptoms may be mild, but others can severely impair daily functioning. Signs it’s time to seek professional help include:
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Inability to work or maintain relationships
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Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
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Ongoing panic attacks or dissociation
Don’t wait until things worsen. Recovery is possible, and help is available.
Diagnosing PTSD
A formal PTSD diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria that must be met for at least one month, including symptoms from all four categories.
Mental health assessments often involve interviews, self-reports, and sometimes physical exams to rule out other causes.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Treatments vary depending on the person and the severity of symptoms. Most plans include a combination of therapies:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Medication (e.g., SSRIs, anti-anxiety drugs)
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Trauma-focused therapy
At Legacy Recovery Center, we create personalized treatment plans that support each person’s unique needs. Learn more in our guide to PTSD recovery in Gilbert, AZ.
How Lifestyle Choices Affect PTSD
Lifestyle plays a significant role in managing PTSD symptoms. Small daily habits can have big impacts:
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Regular exercise reduces cortisol levels
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Meditation helps control intrusive thoughts
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Sleep hygiene improves mental clarity
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Healthy nutrition supports emotional regulation
Supportive environments, like our serene residential setting, are also powerful healing tools.
Coping Strategies That Actually Work
Long-term relief from PTSD often requires a mix of professional care and self-care.
Proven coping techniques:
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Grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1 technique)
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Journaling thoughts and emotions
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Joining a support group
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Practicing mindfulness
These strategies empower individuals to reclaim control over their thoughts and reactions.
Supporting Someone with PTSD
Supporting a loved one with PTSD can be challenging, but your compassion makes a difference.
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Listen without judgment
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Avoid forcing conversations
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Learn about their triggers
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Encourage professional help
Explore more in our post about PTSD misconceptions and realities.
Debunking PTSD Myths
There’s a lot of misinformation about PTSD. Let’s clear a few things up:
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Myth: PTSD only affects veterans
Truth: Anyone can develop PTSD, including children. -
Myth: People with PTSD are violent
Truth: Most individuals with PTSD are not aggressive but struggle internally. -
Myth: PTSD is rare
Truth: Over 13 million Americans had PTSD in the past year alone.
For more, check out our article on what PTSD really is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first sign of PTSD?
Typically, intrusive memories or flashbacks are the earliest symptoms. These often lead to avoidance and sleep disturbances.
Can PTSD go away on its own?
While mild cases might improve over time, most people need therapy and support for true recovery.
Is PTSD considered a mental illness?
Yes. PTSD is a diagnosable mental health condition recognized by the American Psychiatric Association.
How long do PTSD symptoms last?
Symptoms can persist for months or even years if untreated. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Can someone live a normal life with PTSD?
Absolutely, with proper treatment, many people with PTSD go on to live fulfilling, balanced lives.
How To Move Forward
Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD is the first step toward recovery. Whether it’s you or a loved one experiencing the effects of trauma, know that healing is possible.
At Legacy Recovery Center, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and co-occurring disorders in a safe, serene environment. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our team today.
References
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American Psychiatric Association. (2023). What is PTSD? https://www.psychiatry.org
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
