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Mood, Anxiety & Trauma-Related Conditions

PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders

Developing after exposure to a distressing or life-threatening event

September 30, 2026 by
PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders
Shams Psychology Center

Overview

PTSD and other trauma-related conditions develop after exposure to a distressing or life-threatening event, and involve the mind's ongoing attempt to process and protect against that experience.

Common Signs & Symptoms

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the event
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood or thinking (guilt, detachment, numbness)
  • Heightened alertness, irritability, or being easily startled
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Symptoms lasting more than a month and affecting daily functioning

When to Seek Help

Trauma symptoms don't need to be “severe enough” to justify seeking help — if a past event is still affecting you, it's worth addressing.

Our Approach at Shams

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of our core specialties for trauma, alongside trauma-focused CBT and, where needed, medication support.

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If you're concerned about yourself or someone you know, please reach out to schedule an assessment.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce distress
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