Suggest Treatment For PTSD And Anxiety

Posted on Tue, 12 Jan 2016

Question: I was raped a little over a year ago, and I have PTSD. I'm supposed to go back to the GYN soon, but mine left her practice. I've been looking for a new doctor, but the idea of having a pelvic exam makes me extraordinarily anxious. how do I find a doctor that will be sensitive to this, and how do I get past my anxiety enough to bite the bullet?

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get help from psychologist

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani.
I appreciate your concerns dear. I empathize with you.

I appreciate your apprehension regarding pelvic examination. Take an appointment with Gynecologist in your area/ or with the one recommended by your friends or family. Usually gynecologists are sensitive about this issue. So getting examined by them should be easier.

The rape incident is a part of your past. Try to forget it and move on. Consult psychologist. Counselling by them will help you get over the anxiety. Time heals everything. Along with your job develop some hobbies. This also helps reduce anxiety.

I hope this helps. If you have further concerns, do write to me. I will be happy to answer.
With best wishes,
Dr Rama

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ramadevi Wani (22 minutes later)

How am I supposed to forget that I was drugged and raped, especially when I have flashbacks all the time, and still wake up in the morning having a panic attack because I regained consciousness during my rape? I mean, I tried to forget that I was physically and emotionally abused for ten years and that didn't really work. Also, I would love to see the research regarding mental health problems associated with trying to suppress trauma. Probably wouldn't make it past an institutional review board, though.

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cognitive behaviour therapy will definitely help you.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Dear,
Welcome back to HCM.
Got busy with the duty at hospital. Extremely sorry for the delay in replying.

I do agree that it is hard to forget but we do need to move ahead in our life, leaving all those dark chapters. I can understand that at first it'll definitely be really hard but simply Consult a psychologist/psychiatrist (I mean clinical check-up as I can See that you're seeking suggestions from Psychiatrist) .

With Cognitive Behavior Therapy you should be able to forget it. Please do make effort in this regard.

There is an article on the web regarding mental health problems with rape.The web address is:
https://mainweb-v.musc.edu/vyyyyyyyyyyyyyy/research/menyyyyyyyyyyyyt.shtml
You can go through it.

If you have any further concerns, do write to me.
I will be happy to answer.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee