Trauma & PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a frightening or life-threatening event. Most people who go through such an event recover on their own, but when symptoms last for more than a month and affect daily life, effective treatment is available.
An accident, an assault, the sudden death of someone close, a serious illness, war or a disaster can leave marks that do not fade with time. If the memory keeps coming back, if you avoid places and people that remind you of it, or if you feel constantly on alert, an assessment can help you understand what is happening and what helps.
What PTSD is
PTSD is diagnosed when, after a traumatic event, symptoms from four groups last for more than one month and affect daily life:
Re-experiencing: unwanted memories, flashbacks, nightmares, strong reactions to reminders.
Avoidance: keeping away from thoughts, places, people or conversations linked to the event.
Changes in thoughts and mood: guilt, shame, feeling detached, losing interest, seeing the world as dangerous.
Being constantly on alert: startling easily, irritability, poor concentration, trouble sleeping.
In the WHO classification there is also complex PTSD, usually after long or repeated trauma, where difficulties with emotions, self-image and relationships are added to these symptoms.
How common it is
In surveys of nearly 69,000 adults in 24 countries, more than 70% reported at least one traumatic event in their lives. In a related analysis of more than 71,000 adults, 3.9% had developed PTSD at some point, rising to 5.6% among those who had been exposed to trauma. In other words, most people recover after a traumatic event, and developing PTSD is not a sign of weakness. About half of those with PTSD had persistent symptoms, and only about half of those with severe PTSD had received any treatment.
What the guidelines recommend
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, guideline NG116, 2018) recommends:
in the first month, for mild symptoms, active monitoring with a follow-up appointment within a month, because many people improve on their own;
no single “debriefing” session straight after the event, as it does not prevent PTSD;
trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as the main psychological treatment, including in the first month when symptoms are significant;
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) as an alternative for trauma that is not combat-related;
medication is not used to prevent PTSD, but it can be considered for adults with PTSD who prefer it, or as part of the plan when depression or another condition is also present.
How I work
safety comes first: we check sleep, alcohol, risk, and what support you have around you;
you do not have to describe every detail of the event in the first session; we go at a pace you can manage;
I look for what often comes together with PTSD, such as depression, panic attacks and insomnia;
I ask whether difficulties with concentration existed before the event, because adult ADHD and the hypervigilance of PTSD can look alike and are treated differently;
we set measurable goals, such as nights of sleep, places you can go again, and tasks you can manage, and move step by step;
I offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for PTSD at the practice, in person or online, and we coordinate medication when it is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late if the event happened years ago?
No. Trauma-focused treatments are also used for events that happened many years ago. Many people come for help only when a new stress, a loss or a change in life brings the old symptoms back.
Do I have to talk about what happened in detail?
Not at the start. In the assessment we need a general picture. Trauma-focused therapies do work with the memory, but gradually and with preparation.
Can the appointment be online?
Yes, by video anywhere in Greece, in Greek or English, or in person in Trikala.
Psychiatrist for trauma and PTSD in Trikala and online: practical questions
When should I see a psychiatrist after a traumatic event?
When symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance or being constantly on alert last for more than a month, or earlier if they are severe or you feel unsafe. It is also worth coming when an old event starts to affect your sleep, work or relationships again. Read more: Psychiatrist or psychologist?
I feel I should be over it by now. Is it my fault?
No. Not being well after what you went through is not a failure; it is an expected reaction. One question I use in therapy: what would you say to a child who had lived through the same thing?
I live in Larissa, Karditsa or Kalambaka. Can I be treated?
Yes. You can come to the practice in Trikala, or have your sessions online by video from anywhere in Greece, in Greek or English, via Google Meet, WhatsApp or Viber. For many people, starting therapy from home makes the first step easier. See Psychiatrist in Trikala and online therapy.
How much does it cost?
Each session costs 130 €. The first appointment lasts 45 minutes and follow-up sessions 30 minutes. If, after the assessment, we decide together that medication is needed, the prescription is issued electronically. Book an appointment or call +30 24310 32281.
If you need help now
If you are thinking about harming yourself or feel unsafe, call 1018 (suicide prevention line, Greece) or 112. For other urgent situations you can also call 166 (ambulance) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Related pages
Book an appointment in person in Trikala or online, in English or Greek. Each session costs 130 €; the first appointment lasts 45 minutes and follow-up sessions 30 minutes. Phone: +30 24310 32281.
Sources
Benjet C, et al. The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium. Psychol Med. 2016;46:327–343. doi:10.1017/S0033291715001981
Koenen KC, et al. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychol Med. 2017;47:2260–2274. doi:10.1017/S0033291717000708
NICE. Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116). 2018. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
At a glance
- First appointment: 45 minutes, 130 €
- Follow-up sessions: 30 minutes, 130 €
- Language: English or Greek
- Where: in person in Trikala (wheelchair accessible) or online by video call
- Payment: cash, card or contactless at the practice; online appointments are paid electronically
- Hours (Greek time): Monday–Thursday 08:15–13:00 and 17:15–20:00, Friday 08:00–15:00
