Zoeicare - Zoe Psychiatry And Sleep Medicine, Allen Texas

24 Aug, 25

Telehealth Suboxone in Texas (2025): Can You Really Start Online?

If you’re reading this, chances are you—or someone you love—is looking for help with opioid use. And if you live in Texas, you might be wondering: Do I really have to drive across town and sit in a clinic to start Suboxone?

The truth is, starting treatment is often the hardest step. Distance, stigma, and busy schedules can make it feel impossible. That’s why telehealth—being able to start Suboxone online by video or even phone—has been a game-changer.

But with laws changing and new rules from the DEA on the horizon, it can be confusing to know what’s allowed in 2025. Let’s break it down in plain terms.

The Short Answer

Yes—you can start Suboxone online in Texas right now. Thanks to an extension of pandemic-era rules, federal telehealth flexibilities are active through December 31, 2025. That means you can begin treatment with a Texas-licensed clinician by video or phone today.

After December 31, 2025, a new DEA rule takes effect:
– You’ll still be able to start online.
– Your prescriber can give you up to six months of treatment this way.
– But after that, you’ll need to see your prescriber in person at least once to keep going.

What the Federal Rules Say

Right now (through Dec 31, 2025):
– You can start Suboxone with a telehealth appointment (video or audio-only).
– Your prescriber doesn’t need to see you in person first.

What changes after Dec 31, 2025:
– You’ll still be able to begin via telehealth.
– But your prescription will be capped at a six-month supply before an in-person visit is required.
– After that one-time in-person check, you and your prescriber can keep using telehealth for follow-ups.

In plain terms, today, you can start online without worrying. By the end of 2025, you’ll just need to plan one in-person step after you’ve begun.

What’s Unique About Texas

Every state has its own rules on top of federal law. In Texas, here’s what you should expect:

– Texas License: Your prescriber must be licensed in Texas to treat you, even online.
– E-Prescribing: Suboxone prescriptions must be sent electronically (no paper scripts).
– PMP Check: Before prescribing, your doctor must review your prescription history in the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
– Same Standards as In-Person: Telehealth visits must meet the same safety and care requirements as office visits.

How to Start Suboxone Online in Texas (Step by Step)

Book a Telehealth Appointment
– Find a Texas-licensed prescribe r who offers Suboxone by telehealth.
– At Zoe Pyschiatry and Sleep Medicine, you can book an appointment here.

2. Gather What You’ll Need
   – A government-issued ID (your name and date of birth must match your intake form).
   – A Texas address and pharmacy.
   – Your medication list and any recent medical records.
   – A quiet space with a good phone or internet connection.

3. Your First Visit (30–45 minutes)
   – Discuss your medical history and recovery goals.
   – Your prescriber will check the Texas PMP.
   – If appropriate, you’ll get an induction plan: when and how to take your first Suboxone dose.

4. Pick Up Your Medication
   – Your prescription will be e-prescribed to your Texas pharmacy.
   – Bring your ID when you go.

5. Follow-Up Support
   – Expect a check-in within the first week or two.
   – Ongoing visits can be by telehealth.
   – Counseling, recovery groups, and mental health support can make a big difference.

Looking Ahead: What Will Change in December 2025?

Here’s the key date: December 31, 2025.

– After this date, the new DEA rule takes effect.
– You’ll still be able to start Suboxone online.
– But after six months, you’ll need to see your clinician in person once to keep your prescription going.

Until then, the current flexibilities remain fully in place.

Safety & Good-to-Know

– Identity Checks & Monitoring: Expect ID verification, PMP checks, and sometimes urine tests or pill counts. These are normal safety steps.
– Pharmacy Stock: Not all pharmacies keep Suboxone in stock. Call ahead to confirm.
– Overdose Safety: Always keep naloxone on hand. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
– Crisis Help: If you’re in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, call 988 for 24/7 crisis support.

FAQ: Telehealth Suboxone in Texas

Is Suboxone telehealth legal in Texas right now?
Yes. Federal telehealth flexibilities are extended through Dec 31, 2025. Texas requires e-prescribing and PMP checks.

Do I need to come in person before getting Suboxone?
Not before Dec 31, 2025. After that, you’ll need an in-person visit once you’ve been on Suboxone for six months.

Can my first visit be phone-only?
Yes. Both federal flexibilities and the new DEA rule allow audio-only visits for the first prescription.

What ID or documents do I need?
A government-issued ID, a Texas address, your preferred pharmacy, and your medication history.

Will my prescription be printed?
No. In Texas, Suboxone must be prescribed electronically.

How Zoe Psychiatry Can Help

At Zoe Psychiatry, we believe starting recovery shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we offer:

– Confidential telehealth evaluations with Texas-licensed clinicians
– Suboxone prescribing when appropriate
– Integrated care for mental health and sleep issues
– Ongoing support to help you stay on track

Learn more about our services
Book your appointment today.

References

– DEA/HHS telemedicine flexibilities (extended through Dec 31, 2025)
– DEA final rule: six-month telehealth supply + in-person visit requirement (effective Dec 31, 2025)
– Texas e-prescribing law
– Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025zoeicareUncategorizedNo Comments

04 Aug, 25

Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): What You Need to Know About This Controversial Plant Compound

Kratom, a herbal substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has stirred headlines in recent months. At the heart of the conversation is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—one of its most potent psychoactive compounds. With increasing emergency room visits and debates over legality and safety, Zoe Psychiatry takes a closer look at what Kratom and 7-OH really are, how they affect the body, and what you should do if you’re concerned.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom leaves have traditionally been used for their stimulant and pain-relieving properties. In small doses, users may experience increased energy and alertness. At higher doses, Kratom acts more like an opioid, producing euphoria, sedation, and even dependency.

To start your recovery from Kratom addiction, call Dr. Popoola’s clinic at 972 521–6191

The Role of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

Need help understanding your options? Dr. Popoola and the team at Zoe Psychiatry are here to guide you.

While Kratom contains multiple alkaloids, 7-Hydroxymitragynine is considered one of the most powerful. Despite being present in smaller quantities than mitragynine (Kratom’s primary compound), 7-OH is significantly more potent—some sources say up to 13 times stronger than morphine by weight in terms of analgesic effect.

7-OH is not just naturally occurring—it also forms in the body when mitragynine is metabolized by the liver. That makes it central to understanding Kratom’s opioid-like effects and its potential for abuse, dependency, and overdose.

If you feel symptoms, don’t wait until they escalate. Call Zoe Psychiatry today or book an online appointment and speak with a specialist

Why Is Kratom and 7-OH Making Headlines

In 2025, several states in the U.S. have proposed stricter regulations or outright bans on Kratom due to increasing reports of:
– Opioid-like overdoses
– Psychiatric side effects (agitation, hallucinations)
– Withdrawal symptoms
– Product contamination with fentanyl or heavy metals

Many of these issues are directly tied to high-potency derivatives like 7-Hydroxymitragynine, or synthetic formulations mimicking it.

Early intervention is key. Reach out to Zoe Psychiatry for help with Kratom-related issues.

Is Kratom Legal?

The legal status of Kratom varies by country and U.S. state. While the FDA has not approved Kratom for any medical use, it’s still widely available online and in smoke shops.

However, the DEA has considered classifying Kratom’s active compounds—including 7-OH—as Schedule I drugs, citing risks similar to heroin or fentanyl. Meanwhile, some people use Kratom to self-manage pain, opioid withdrawal, or anxiety, despite the lack of clinical safety data.

Need help understanding your options? Dr. Popoola is an addiction medicine expert who is double board-certified. Click here to schedule an appointment..

Is Kratom Addictive?

Yes—especially because of 7-Hydroxymitragynine. Its opioid receptor activity can lead to:
– Tolerance (needing more over time)
– Dependence (requiring it to feel normal)
– Withdrawal (flu-like symptoms, insomnia, depression)

Users often don’t realize how quickly dependence can form, especially when using high doses or potent extracts.

What Does Zoe Psychiatry Recommend?

If you or a loved one is using Kratom or experiencing withdrawal, you’re not alone—and help is available.

Zoe Psychiatry offers compassionate, science-backed care for individuals facing substance misuse, including Kratom and opioid-like compounds. We provide:
– Medical detox and supervision
– Psychological support and behavioral therapy
– Holistic, non-judgmental approaches to healing

Final Thoughts

While Kratom may appear “natural” and legal, compounds like 7-Hydroxymitragynine show that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe. As Kratom becomes more potent and widely available, understanding the risks—and getting help early—can save lives.

Need Support Now?

Call or book an appointment with Zoe Psychiatry today for guidance, support, and treatment options tailored to you. Remember, we listen and help, and we don’t judge. Also don’t forget to check out our other highly educative blogs!

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025zoeicareUncategorizedNo Comments

29 Jun, 25

Is It Normal to Sleep and Wake Later Every Day? -Understanding N24SWD

If you find yourself falling asleep later and later each night—even when you try to stick to a schedule—you’re not alone. For some people, the internal body clock doesn’t run on a 24-hour day. This can lead to a condition known as Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (N24SWD).

It’s especially common among people who are totally blind, but it can affect sighted individuals too. If you often feel like you’re “out of sync” with the rest of the world, N24SWD could be why.

Common Signs of N24SWD

You fall asleep and wake up later each day.
You can’t fall asleep or wake up at normal times—even when you want to.
You feel sleepy during the day and struggle to stay alert.
Some days you sleep well, but other days are marked by insomnia or oversleeping.
You feel like your body is on its own time zone.

Why Does This Happen?

Your body has a natural clock—called the circadian rhythm—that tells you when to sleep and wake up. Most people’s clocks reset every 24 hours, thanks to light signals from the environment.

But in people with N24SWD, this clock runs longer—maybe 24.5 or even 25 hours. Over time, that small difference adds up, shifting your sleep-wake cycle further and further out of sync.

For people who are totally blind, the lack of light signals makes it hard to reset this rhythm. But sighted people can experience it too—due to neurological differences, genetics, or unknown reasons.

How Is N24SWD Diagnosed?

You don’t need fancy equipment to start the process. Diagnosis usually begins by tracking your sleep patterns over several weeks using:

A sleep diary or wearable sleep tracker (actigraphy)
Blood or saliva tests to check melatonin levels
A talk with a sleep specialist to rule out other causes

What Can You Do About It?

Good news—treatment can help you regain control of your sleep. Here are some of the most effective strategies:

Light Therapy:
Bright light at specific times each day can help reset your body clock.

Melatonin Supplements:
A small, properly timed dose of melatonin can guide your sleep schedule.

Behavioral Changes:
Keeping a strict wake-up time, sticking to a routine, and avoiding screens at night can make a big difference.

Gradual Sleep Shifts (Chronotherapy):
Sometimes, gradually adjusting your bedtime and wake time can help align your internal rhythm.

Can I Live Normally With N24SWD?

Yes, you absolutely can. With the right plan, many people with N24SWD return to a more predictable sleep pattern and feel much better during the day. The key is knowing what’s happening and getting support that works for you.

Ready to Reclaim Your Sleep?

If your sleep seems out of control or you’re tired of struggling to fit into a 24-hour world, you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone. Help is available.

Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine specializes in identifying and treating sleep disorders like N24SWD. Call us or book an appointment online today and start your journey to better sleep and better days.

June 29, 2025June 29, 2025zoeicareUncategorizedNo Comments

22 Jun, 25

Understanding Narcolepsy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Hope for Better Living

Zoe Psychiatry's Guide to Nacroplesy Treatment and Support

Intro

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition where the brain can’t properly control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep during the day—even in the middle of a conversation or activity. While it can be serious and disruptive, narcolepsy is manageable with the right care and support.

At Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, we help patients regain control of their lives with personalized treatment plans and the latest in sleep medicine solutions.

What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?

Excessive daytime sleepiness: The most prominent symptom. People feel overwhelmingly drowsy and may fall asleep without warning.
Cataplexy: Sudden muscle weakness or paralysis triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, surprise, or anger.
Sleep paralysis: Temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up, often frightening.
Hallucinations: Vivid dream-like experiences that occur at sleep onset (hypnagogic) or upon waking (hypnopompic).
Disrupted nighttime sleep: Despite frequent daytime sleepiness, individuals often experience poor quality or fragmented sleep at night.

What causes narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is often linked to a loss of hypocretin (orexin)—a brain chemical responsible for regulating wakefulness. In many cases, this is due to an autoimmune response, although genetics and environmental triggers may also play a role.

How is narcolepsy diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and sleep habits. At Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, we may recommend:

– Sleep studies (Polysomnography): To monitor brain activity, eye movements, and muscle tone during sleep.
– Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): To assess how quickly and frequently you fall asleep during the day.
– Clinical interview: To rule out other sleep disorders or mental health concerns that may mimic narcolepsy.

Is narcolepsy treatable?

Yes. While there is no cure yet, narcolepsy is highly manageable with a combination of strategies:

Medication management:
– Stimulants or wakefulness-promoting agents to combat daytime sleepiness.
– Sodium oxybate to improve nighttime sleep and reduce cataplexy.
– Antidepressants to manage cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.

Behavioral and lifestyle support:
– Scheduled naps throughout the day.
– Good sleep hygiene and consistent sleep routines.
– Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

Mental health support:
Narcolepsy can affect mood, motivation, and overall well-being. Our integrated psychiatric care provides the emotional and psychological tools to thrive despite the diagnosis.

Can people with narcolepsy live full lives?

Absolutely. With the right care plan, education, and support, individuals with narcolepsy can live full, productive, and joyful lives. Many patients report major improvements in energy, mood, and daily function with treatment.

Conclusion

If you or someone you love is experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or other signs of narcolepsy, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.

At Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care for sleep disorders and mental health. Call our office or book an appointment online today to begin your journey toward better sleep and a better life.

June 22, 2025June 23, 2025zoeicareUncategorizedNo Comments

07 Dec, 24

Psychiatry services offered in Allen Texas

Psychiatry is a specialty of medicine that treats distressing and potentially life-threatening mental health conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and postpartum psychosis. Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine’s board-certified psychiatrist Oluwole Popoola, MD, FASAM, and his team in Allen, Texas, offer exceptional psychiatric care to adults and children over 12. They provide medication management, psychotherapy, and other cutting-edge treatments that help you recover from or manage mental health problems. Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine today or request an in-person or telehealth consultation online to benefit from expert psychiatry delivered with compassion.

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on conditions affecting your mind. These illnesses include:Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Substance misuse and addiction, Eating disorders, Major depressive disorder (MDD or depression), Perinatal depression and anxiety, Postnatal depression, Postpartum psychosis, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorders, Personality disorders, Schizophrenia, Dissociative disorders, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral problems. These conditions can cause considerable distress, affect your ability to work and maintain healthy relationships, and sometimes lead to suicide.

The Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine team of psychiatrists have considerable experience in helping patients with these and other mental health disorders. They’ve also undergone additional training in specialty areas, such as perinatal psychiatry and substance-use management medicine.

What is a psychiatric consultation?

Before beginning your treatment, you attend a psychiatric consultation. In-person appointments are available at Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine’s office, or you can speak with your provider from home via telehealth using a secure internet video link.

At the initial consultation, your psychiatrist reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, evaluates your environment and lifestyle, and performs psychological tests. The information allows them to diagnose your condition accurately and prepare an appropriate treatment plan.

What psychiatry treatments might I need?

The main treatments used in psychiatry are:

Psychotherapy:

Some talk therapies show you how to identify unrealistically negative thoughts and reframe them, helping you manage better in daily life. Some therapies focus on your desires and goals and how to achieve them. Others investigate the issues and experiences affecting your mental health so you can recognize and process them.

Medication:

Medications often play a critical role in reducing symptom severity so you can more easily benefit from psychotherapy. Some medications, like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, help you recover from disorders like depression or anxiety. Mood stabilizers and stimulants enable you to manage conditions like ADHD and bipolar disorder.

Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine will also be using innovative alternatives that help people who don’t improve with medication and therapy.These treatments include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS, a painless, noninvasive way to activate parts of the brain that function less well when you have a psychiatric disorder) and Spravato® esketamine intranasal spray for MDD.

To learn how you can benefit from the Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine team’s expert care, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Oluwole Popoola, MD, FASAM

General Psychiatry

December 7, 2024December 16, 2024zoeicarepsychosisNo Comments

12 Oct, 24

Anxiety Management Services offered in Allen Texas

Feeling scared and worried at times is normal, but if you feel extreme or continual anxiety that gets in the way of your ability to function, you may have an anxiety disorder. Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine board-certified psychiatrist Oluwole Popoola, MD, FASAM, and his team in Allen, Texas, excel in treating anxiety. They use proven approaches, including medication, counseling and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine today or book an in-person or telehealth consultation online for expert anxiety disorder treatment.

What is anxiety?

Feeling anxious is a normal response to stress, fear, and worry. Any significant event can cause anxiety, from interviews and work presentations to getting married and having a baby. However, it’s not normal to feel extremely anxious about minimally threatening events or anxiety all the time. If anxiety dictates your behaviors and prevents you from leading a fulfilling life, it has become an anxiety disorder. The most common is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), where several things in your life cause stress, fear, and indecision. Some people have anxiety about a specific situation or object that bears no relation to its potential threat. These could relate to anything, but some of the most common ones are fear of heights, confined spaces, spiders, and snakes. Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety that makes you avoid or endure social situations due to fear that you will make a mistake or be judged.

What symptoms can anxiety disorders cause?

Anxiety disorder symptoms include nervousness, muscle tension, restlessness, difficulty focusing, chronic fatigue, disrupted sleep, increased heart rate, fast, shallow breathing, excessive sweating, trembling, and panic attacks. Panic attacks are terrifying experiences where anxiety becomes so severe you can’t function normally. In addition to the symptoms above, you might have chest pain, shortness of breath, be frozen to the spot or collapse, and lose the ability to hear or speak. Experiencing a panic attack is so distressing that people often isolate themselves, staying at home to reduce the risk of another.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

After a comprehensive assessment, the Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine team prepares a personalized treatment plan to match your unique needs. Treatment might include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves interaction between you and a trained therapist/counsellor that aims to help you identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It may involve exploring your past experiences and how they have contributed to current thinking patterns, emotions, and behaviors, or it could involve teaching you techniques to help you regulate your emotions and behavior.

Medication

Some patients recover from anxiety using psychotherapy alone, but anti-anxiety medication is often vital for moderate to severe cases. It helps reduce symptom severity so you can benefit fully from talk therapy.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Anxiety has been shown to be associated with overactivity in an area of the brain called the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. TMS uses slow pulses of magnetic currents administered while you are alert and conscious to reduce this overactivity, which improves your anxiety.

Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine today or book an appointment online to benefit from expert anxiety treatment.

L: Taiye Popoola, MD; R: Wole Popoola, MD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

October 12, 2024December 16, 2024zoeicareAnxietyNo Comments

21 Sep, 24

Perinatal Psychiatry services offered in Allen Texas

Having a baby should be a joyous experience, but many women develop mental health problems during pregnancy and after giving birth. Contact Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine’s board-certified psychiatrist Taiye Popoola, MD, PhD, PMH-C and her team in Allen, Texas, if you develop low mood, anxiety, or symptoms like hallucinations and delusions during the perinatal period. The team’s perinatal psychiatry experts offer compassionate care to help you overcome these distressing conditions and enjoy motherhood. Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine today or schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation online to benefit from specialized perinatal psychiatry.

What is perinatal psychiatry?

Perinatal psychiatry focuses on women’s mental health before and after childbirth. It includes conditions during pregnancy (prenatal disorders) and those that develop after delivery (postpartum disorders). Pregnancy and childbirth are experiences that affect women in numerous ways. The hormonal changes can significantly alter brain function and mood. Women also feel the pressure of being a good mom, looking after the child before and after birth, and dealing with distressing problems like morning sickness, pain, and fatigue. Unsurprisingly, most women experience mood changes during this time, commonly known as the baby blues. However, some women suffer from severe mental health problems in the perinatal period that require specialized care.

What conditions might require perinatal psychiatry?

Perinatal conditions the Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine team treats include:

Prenatal depression and anxiety:

Prenatal depression and anxiety occur before childbirth. You might feel overly anxious about the pregnancy or having a baby to such an extent that you can’t relax and enjoy the experience. If you have prenatal depression, you feel sad, weepy, and despairing most or all of the time and can’t improve your mood.

Postpartum depression:

Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth. It’s far more intense and long-lasting than the baby blues, often persisting for months. You might feel unable to care for your child properly and have difficulty bonding with your newborn.

Postpartum psychosis:

Postpartum psychosis is a severe psychiatric disorder that can affect your ability to recognize reality. You may suffer from hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (mistaken but unshakeable beliefs), paranoia (irrational distrust of others), and other behavior changes.

Women severely affected by postpartum psychosis may harm themselves or their babies.

What does perinatal psychiatry involve?

The perinatal psychiatry experts at Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine use treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, that helps women recover from these conditions. These are the same treatments used for other psychiatric disorders. However, perinatal psychiatry specialists undergo additional training in the safe use of medications in pregnant and breastfeeding women and how to approach talk therapy effectively in someone with perinatal mental health problems. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a safe, painless, noninvasive therapy, is also available for women with treatment-resistant perinatal depression and anxiety. Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine today or schedule a consultation online for expert support with perinatal psychiatric disorders.

Taiye Popoola, MD, PhD, PMH-C

Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine

September 21, 2024December 15, 2024zoeicareDr. Taiye Popoola, Perinatal PsychiatryNo Comments

14 Sep, 24

PTSD Services offered in Allen Texas

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many people who lived through horrifying experiences. If you develop PTSD symptoms, speak to Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine board-certified psychiatrist Oluwole Popoola, MD, FASAM, and his team in Allen, Texas. They offer medication management, psychotherapy, and other treatments that help you regain peace of mind. Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine today or request an in-person or telehealth appointment online to start your journey to freedom from PTSD.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a reaction some people experience after being involved in or witnessing something life-threatening or severely distressing. It’s best known for affecting military personnel and others involved in armed conflicts, where it was first known as shell shock and then combat fatigue. However, PTSD doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anybody at any age. The Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine team treats PTSD patients aged 12 and over.

What might cause PTSD?

Experiences that could lead to PTSD include:

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters
Serious road traffic accidents (RTAs)
Acts of terrorism
Violent personal assault or rape
Air, rail, and sea transportation disasters
Sustaining severe injuries
Being trapped in a collapsing or burning building
Abduction and torture

These experiences might last for days, hours, or minutes. People who endure long-term trauma, such as ongoing spousal or child abuse, can develop complex (chronic) PTSD.

What symptoms does PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:

Re-experiencing symptoms

People with PTSD continually replay the event and find it impossible to divert their thoughts away for long. They often suffer from vivid nightmares too. Flashbacks occur when something you see, hear, or smell takes you back to your traumatic experience and makes you relive it.

Negativity

Anger, fear, guilt, depression, anxiety, and other negative feelings are common in people with PTSD. Some have survivor’s guilt, feeling it’s wrong that they survived when others died. Or they blame themselves for not preventing the event or not doing more to help afterward.

Arousal and reactivity

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include irritability, impatience, anger, recklessness, jumping at the slightest sound or touch, and self-destructive behaviors. You may have difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Many people with PTSD develop a substance misuse problem.

Avoidance

Avoidance behaviors aim to limit your exposure to anything that triggers intrusive thoughts or flashbacks. You may withdraw from your friends and family, particularly if you feel they can’t understand what you went through.

How is PTSD treated?

The Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine team treats PTSD with psychotherapy and medication. Talking with a skilled, compassionate therapist helps you process your trauma. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs boost neurotransmitter (brain chemical) levels in your brain’s mood center. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could help patients who don’t improve with other treatments. Call Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine or request an appointment online today to begin your journey to recovery from PTSD