Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)
Diagnosis & Treatment in Hanover and Throughout Germany
Specialized Support for Complex Trauma and Its Lasting Effects
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is far more than merely a memory of a traumatic experience. Even long after the event, flashbacks, deep psychological wounds, and profound emotional numbness continue to shape the lives of many sufferers and their loved ones. At our specialist practice, we offer specialized trauma diagnostics and tailored therapeutic approaches designed to sustainably restore your emotional stability and quality of life.
What is a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD is a delayed psychological reaction to an extremely stressful event (trauma) that involved life-threatening danger, severe injury, or a threat to physical integrity.
The difference between an acute trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not every frightening event leads to a chronic disorder. An acute stress reaction is a normal response to an abnormal situation and usually subsides after a few days. We only speak of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder when symptoms persist for more than four weeks and significantly impair quality of life.
Why some people develop a trauma and others do not
The development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder depends on various factors. Psychological resilience, the social environment, and the type of trauma all play a crucial role. The goal of therapy is to reactivate and strengthen your body’s natural resilience.
Living with PTSD
The diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder often changes a person’s entire life structure. However, living with PTSD does not have to be permanently shaped by fear and withdrawal. With targeted therapeutic support and individual self-help strategies, those affected can learn to manage their triggers and actively participate in social life again.
Further scientific information on clinical guidelines and current treatment standards can be found on the official health portal of the Federal Ministry of Health(Germany)
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: How does trauma manifest itself?
Intrusive Symptoms: flashbacks and nightmares
Those affected repeatedly re-experience the trauma in the form of intrusions. These uncontrollable memory flashbacks or nightmares feel so real, as if the event were happening again in the present moment.
Avoidance behavior and emotional numbness
To escape the pain, patients avoid places, people, or conversations that remind them of the trauma. This is often followed by emotional numbness—the feeling of being isolated from the environment and no longer being able to experience joy.
Hyperarousal: hyperarousal and increased startle response
The nervous system is in a constant state of alert. This manifests as sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an exaggerated startle response.
Physical accompanying symptoms and psychosomatic consequences
The trauma often also manifests physically through chronic pain, palpitations, breathing difficulties, or gastrointestinal problems for which no organic cause can be found.
The 3 Pillars of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology
1. Intrusions: Unwanted re-experiencing
(Focus on uncontrollable re-experiencing) Intrusions are distressing images, flashbacks, or nightmares that make those affected feel as though the trauma is happening again in that very moment. These experiences are often triggered unexpectedly by so-called “triggers.”
2. Avoidance Behavior: Withdrawal from Life
(Focus on the mind’s protective response) To avoid the pain, people may steer clear of places, people, or activities that could remind them of the traumatic event. This often leads to emotional numbness and increasing isolation from their social environment.
3. Hyperarousal: Constant State of Alertness
(Focus on the overstimulated nervous system) The body remains in a state of extreme vigilance. This manifests as an exaggerated startle response, sleep disturbances, irritability, and concentration problems, as the brain is constantly scanning for potential threats.
Ursachen und Auslöser von Traumatisierungen
Single Events vs.
Prolonged Stressful Experiences
- Shock trauma: A sudden, one-time event.
- Complex PTSD: Prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences
over many years.
Häufige Auslöser
- Accidents
- Violence
- Loss
- Illness
Self-Help for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Practical Strategies for Everyday Life
- Identifying triggers and developing coping strategies
- Integrating mindfulness and grounding exercises
- Reducing stressors and prioritizing periods of rest
- Seeking social support and exchange
- Creating safety and structure in everyday life
These self-help strategies do not replace specialist medical or therapeutic treatment, but are intended as complementary support in everyday life. In combination with professional treatment, they can help make daily life easier and support long-term personal well-being.
When should you seek professional help?
Recognizing early warning signs
Suizidgedanken und psychische Krisen ernst nehmen
Taking suicidal thoughts and psychological crises seriously
Recognizing early warning signs
If the symptoms described above persist for more than four weeks or even worsen, this is a clear sign that the experience cannot be processed on one’s own and that professional support is necessary.
Suizidgedanken und psychische Krisen ernst nehmen
Thoughts of self-harm, profound hopelessness, or death are acute warning signs and require immediate professional help.
Taking suicidal thoughts and psychological crises seriously
Do not wait until the symptoms severely impair your quality of life or even lead to thoughts of self-harm.
An early diagnosis and the timely initiation of evidence-based treatments, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, can reduce the risk of relapse and lead to lasting improvements in quality of life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment in our Medical Practice
In the case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the online option is particularly valuable from a psychological perspective, as many affected individuals suffer from agoraphobia (fear of open spaces/crowds) or intense feelings of shame. We support you conveniently via video consultation.
🧠 Diagnostics
💊 Treatment
🎥 Video Consultation
🧠 Diagnostics
- Initial consultation and psychiatric history
- Diagnostic criteria according to ICD-11
- Exclusion of other mental disorders
- Standardized questionnaires and tests
💊 Treatment
- individual therapy planning
- Evidence-based treatment according to current guidelines
- Trustful and discreet care
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Stabilization and building of resources
- Medication-based treatment
🎥 Video Consultation
PTSD Treatment from home
Long journeys to a practice, crowded waiting rooms, and tightly scheduled appointments are often an additional barrier for people with PTSD. Our online consultation allows psychiatric assessment and therapy to be provided safely, discreetly, and without long waiting times—regardless of your location. More about video consultations →
🎥 Learn more about video consultations
Secure · Discreet · Available from anywhere
Frequently Asked Questions about PTSD
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder completely curable?
Yes, many patients achieve complete symptom remission or a significant reduction in symptoms through appropriate specialist treatment, allowing them to return to a normal life.
Can Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder appear years later?
Yes, this is referred to as delayed-onset PTSD. It is not uncommon for symptoms to emerge only months or even years after the original event, often triggered by a new stimulus (trigger).
Can Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder disappear on its own?
No, a clinically manifest Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder usually does not resolve on its own. Without professional treatment, there is a high risk of it becoming chronic.
What is Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
Complex PTSD typically develops after prolonged, repeated traumatic experiences, such as long-term neglect or violence in childhood. In contrast to classic PTSD, it also involves additional difficulties in emotion regulation, a negative self-image, and persistent problems in interpersonal relationships. Because its roots are often deeply embedded, complex PTSD requires particularly sensitive and specialized therapeutic care that goes beyond the standard treatment of single-event trauma.
Seek Professional Help
If you recognise yourself in the symptoms described, please don’t hesitate. The first step is the bravest — we will accompany you on your way back to a life free from anxiety confidentially, competently, and with empathy.