PTSD Treatment in Palm Beach, FL

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect anyone — veterans and first responders, survivors of accidents, assault, or natural disasters, and those who have lived through childhood trauma or domestic violence. At his Palm Beach practice, Dr. Mark G. Agresti, M.D. provides expert, compassionate PTSD treatment in a safe and confidential environment.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD occurs when the brain’s normal stress response becomes stuck in a state of hypervigilance and reactivity long after a traumatic event has passed. It is not a sign of weakness — it is a biological response to overwhelming experience. The condition affects approximately 7-8% of the U.S. population at some point in their lives and is significantly more common among those with high-trauma occupational or personal histories.

Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD is organized around four major symptom clusters:

Intrusion Symptoms

• Unwanted, distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Flashbacks — reliving the trauma as if it were happening again
• Nightmares related to the traumatic event
• Intense psychological or physical distress when reminded of the trauma

Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or reminders associated with the trauma
• Steering clear of people, places, activities, or situations that trigger memories

Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition

• Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world
• Distorted blame of oneself or others for the trauma
• Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
• Feeling detached or estranged from others
• Inability to experience positive emotions (emotional numbing)

Hyperarousal and Reactivity

• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior
• Hypervigilance — constant alertness to perceived danger
• Exaggerated startle response
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

Symptoms must be present for more than one month and cause significant distress or functional impairment for a PTSD diagnosis. Dr. Agresti conducts a careful evaluation to distinguish PTSD from other conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, and acute stress disorder.

Dr. Agresti’s Approach to PTSD Treatment

Effective PTSD treatment typically combines pharmacotherapy with psychotherapeutic approaches. Dr. Agresti provides expert psychiatric evaluation and medication management, coordinating with trauma-focused therapists to ensure comprehensive care.

PTSD Medication Management

Several medications have demonstrated efficacy for PTSD, and Dr. Agresti uses his expertise in complex psychopharmacology to individualize treatment. Options include:

• SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) — FDA-approved for PTSD; reduce intrusive symptoms, avoidance, and hyperarousal
• SNRIs (venlafaxine) — effective for PTSD, particularly in patients with co-occurring depression and anxiety
• Prazosin — an alpha-blocker with evidence for reducing PTSD-related nightmares
• Mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics — used in complex cases with severe symptoms or co-occurring conditions

Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant PTSD

For patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments, Dr. Agresti offers ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine has shown significant promise in research settings for rapidly reducing PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories and emotional hyperreactivity. This treatment is available to carefully selected patients at Dr. Agresti’s practice.

Dual Diagnosis: PTSD and Substance Use

PTSD and substance use disorders commonly co-occur, as many individuals turn to alcohol or substances to manage overwhelming symptoms. Dr. Agresti provides integrated psychiatric care for patients with both conditions, including medication-assisted treatment for substance use alongside PTSD pharmacotherapy.

Telehealth PTSD Treatment Across Florida

Dr. Agresti provides telehealth psychiatric care for PTSD patients throughout Florida. For many PTSD patients, leaving home to attend appointments creates significant stress and avoidance. Telehealth removes that barrier and allows patients to receive high-quality psychiatric care from a familiar, safe environment.

Why Choose Dr. Mark Agresti for PTSD Treatment

• Board-certified psychiatrist with experience treating complex trauma presentations
• Access to advanced therapies, including ketamine for treatment-resistant PTSD
• Integrated care for co-occurring conditions — substance use, depression, anxiety, and more
• Telehealth available statewide — ideal for patients who find in-person visits difficult
• Confidential, trauma-informed environment where your history is treated with discretion and respect

You Deserve to Heal

PTSD is treatable. With the right combination of psychiatric care and support, many people with PTSD experience significant symptom relief and reclaim meaningful, full lives. Dr. Agresti is ready to help you take that step.

Dr. Mark G. Agresti, M.D.
44 Cocoanut Row, Suite m-202
Palm Beach, FL 33480

Call to schedule: 561-760-4107
Psychiatric emergencies: 561-386-7743

Telehealth appointments available for patients throughout Florida.