Trauma Specialist

Mark DeLuca, MD

General Psychiatrist & Forensic Psychiatrists located in Royal Palm Beach, FL & Palm Beach, FL

Past traumatic events are often difficult to cope with, but help is within reach with board-certified psychiatrist Mark DeLuca, MD, in Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Juno Beach, Florida. He diagnoses and treats Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to reduce crippling symptoms and give you a better quality of life. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment or book online today.

Trauma Q & A

What is trauma?

Trauma occurs when you experience an unsettling traumatic life event that negatively affects your mental health. Trauma can cause depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health struggles because of intrusive thoughts and anxiety about past experiences.

Fortunately, treatment with Dr. DeLuca can help you better cope with past or current traumatic events.

What are examples of events that cause trauma?

Common causes of PTSD or trauma-related mental health struggles include:

Death in the family
Car accidents
Work-related accidents
Military combat
Physical or sexual assault
Being a first responder
Surviving a natural disaster
Surviving a serious injury
Marital affairs

PTSD is nothing to feel ashamed about. Seeking treatment at the first sign of it can dramatically improve your quality of life.

What are common symptoms after trauma?

Common symptoms linked with trauma and PTSD include:

Recurring distressing memories
Flashbacks or nightmares
Emotional distress
Physical aches and pain
Avoiding triggers
Hopelessness, guilt, or shame
Memory problems
Relationship issues
Social isolation
Anxiety or depression
Getting startled easily
Difficulty sleeping
Always being on guard
Constant fear or worry
Substance abuse
Trouble concentrating
Irritability or aggressive behavior
Suicidal thoughts
Eating disorders

Untreated PTSD or trauma can negatively affect your job, school, social activities, and interpersonal relationships. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your outcome.

How does my psychiatrist diagnose PTSD?

To find out if you have PTSD due to trauma, Dr. DeLuca discusses your lifestyle, medical history, symptoms, and past traumatic experiences. He asks you a series of questions during a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and may have you undergo lab tests before personalizing treatment to your needs.

What are common treatments for dealing with traumatic events?

To help you better cope with PTSD or the effects of trauma, Dr. DeLuca may recommend:

Medications

Taking certain medicines can reduce symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorder. Dr. DeLuca lets you know which medications, if any, are right for you.

Psychotherapy

Dr. DeLuca offers a variety of therapies to reduce unpleasant symptoms and improve your quality of life after trauma or with PTSD. Examples include cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, and exposure therapy. He may also refer you to group therapy sessions.

Don’t try to deal with trauma or PTSD yourself when Mark DeLuca, MD, offers highly effective treatments. Call to schedule an appointment or book online today.

What we offer