PTSD
Holistic Medicine, LLC
Holistic Medical Services located in Gambrills, MD
Patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel the stress of imminent danger at any time, but medical marijuana may provide healing relief. At Holistic Medicine, LLC, in Gambrills, Maryland, we write medical marijuana recommendations for patients with PTSD. If a traumatic event or series of events continues to haunt you with PTSD symptoms, call Holistic Medicine, LLC, or book an appointment online today.
PTSD Q & A
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after you experience a shocking, dangerous, or otherwise traumatic event. Your body naturally responds to fear triggers with a “fight-or-flight” response to protect you from danger. With PTSD, this fear response continues even when you’re in a safe situation.
It’s normal to experience one or more symptoms of PTSD after a traumatic event. Normally, these symptoms fade and resolve on their own. Symptoms that persist longer than one month may indicate PTSD.
PTSD affects nearly 8 million Americans, and is especially common among military veterans and women.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
There are four categories of PTSD symptoms. To receive a diagnosis, you must experience at least one symptom in each category that lasts a month or longer.
Re-experiencing symptoms
These occur when words, situations, or other triggers cause you to re-experience the traumatic event. Re-experiencing symptoms include flashbacks and nightmares.
Avoidance symptoms
These symptoms interfere with your daily routine by causing you to avoid certain triggers. You may stay away from certain places, objects, or anything that reminds you of the traumatic event. This also includes avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms
You may be in a constant state of heightened arousal, regardless of whether a trigger is present. These symptoms include feeling edgy, being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, and having outbursts of anger.
Cognitions and mood symptoms
These symptoms include trouble remembering the traumatic event, negative thoughts, feelings of guilt or blame, and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
How does medical marijuana treat PTSD?
Scientists believe that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, binds to brain receptors that regulate mood, sleep patterns, and perception of pain. They also believe THC interacts with receptors in your brain’s emotional response center to reduce fear and anxiety.
Numerous studies suggest medical marijuana is a beneficial treatment for PTSD, with some showing over 75% reduction in symptoms. Cannabis may even help in cases where other PTSD treatments don’t work.
If you suffer from PTSD and want to regain control of your life, call Holistic Medicine, LLC, or book an appointment online today.