Trauma-Related Disorders Treatment in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Trauma doesn’t just live in the past—it lingers in the mind, body, and emotions. Whether caused by a single life-altering event or years of chronic stress, trauma can affect every aspect of your life.
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we provide expert, compassionate care for individuals struggling with trauma-related disorders. Serving communities in Maryland and Washington, D.C., we help clients heal from the inside out through personalized therapy, medication support, and evidence-based interventions.
Trauma-related disorders are mental health conditions that develop in response to extremely stressful or life-threatening events. This category includes several conditions:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can arise after a traumatic event, causing disruptions in sleep, relaxation, concentration, and daily functioning. It affects about 8 million adults in the U.S. annually. PTSD is not limited to soldiers—anyone who experiences trauma, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster, can develop it.
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Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD but shorter in duration. Symptoms appear immediately after the traumatic event and last between three days to one month. If they persist, it may evolve into PTSD.
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Adjustment Disorders: These develop in response to stressful life events like divorce, job loss, illness, or the loss of a loved one. Symptoms include sadness, frequent crying, withdrawal from activities, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, neglecting responsibilities, difficulty focusing, and suicidal thoughts.
Each of these conditions can deeply affect daily life, and professional help is often necessary for recovery.
Trauma Conditions
Symptoms of PTSD
Re-Experiencing Symptoms
Flashbacks, bad dreams, and intrusive thoughts that make you feel like you are reliving the trauma.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
Being easily startled, feeling tense, having trouble sleeping, and having angry outbursts.
Avoidance Symptoms
Staying away from places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the trauma.
Cognitive Symptoms
Negative thoughts about yourself and the world, feeling irritable, anxious, fearful, and withdrawing from loved ones or using substances.
People with PTSD have different types of symptoms:
Causes and Risk Factors
Trauma can stem from both isolated incidents and prolonged exposure to distress. Common causes include:
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Personal assault (e.g., abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault)
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Combat or first responder trauma
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Severe accidents or injuries
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Natural disasters
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Sudden loss of a loved one
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Chronic exposure to danger or neglect
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but personal history, biology, and coping skills all influence risk.
How We Treat Trauma at Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC
Healing from Trauma is Possible with the Right Help:
Trauma-Focused Therapies:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors resulting from trauma, fostering healthier coping mechanisms.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy involves recalling traumatic memories while making specific eye movements, helping to reduce the emotional impact of those events.
Medications:
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Antidepressants: These medications help regulate mood and reduce feelings of sadness, anger, and irritability associated with trauma.
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Anti-Anxiety Medications: Used to manage high anxiety and panic attacks that may occur after trauma. Always consult a medical professional for personalized advice.