How trauma can affect mental health
After a frightening, violent, or overwhelming experience, many people have strong reactions that gradually ease. For some, symptoms persist or worsen. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can include intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance of reminders, feeling constantly on guard, trouble sleeping, irritability, and changes in mood or beliefs about oneself and the world.
Trauma in children and adolescents
Children may re-enact experiences in play, become clingy or irritable, have difficulty concentrating, or show changes in behavior at school. Trauma symptoms in young people are sometimes mistaken for ADHD or behavioral problems, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
Our trauma-informed approach
We move at your pace, prioritize safety and trust, and avoid asking for more detail than you are ready to share. Treatment may include:
- A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Medication management for PTSD symptoms, sleep problems, anxiety, or depression when appropriate
- Supportive psychotherapy and psychoeducation
- Referral to and coordination with trauma-focused therapists (such as TF-CBT, CPT, or EMDR providers)
- Safety planning when needed
Getting started
Care is provided by Vivienne Gomes, M.D., Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Emmanuel Sango, DNP, APRN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can see us in person at our office at 18310 Montgomery Village Ave in Gaithersburg, or by secure video if you are located in Maryland at the time of your appointment. See telepsychiatry in Maryland.