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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Specialist

David Salvage, M.D., FAPM

Forensic and Addiction Psychiatrist located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY & Financial District, New York, NY

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately eight million adults in the United States during any given year, and 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. These eye-opening numbers are what drive psychotherapists like David Salvage, MD, FAPM, to find innovative therapies to help those who suffer from this debilitating mental disorder. If PTSD affects you or a loved one, call Dr. Salvage’s Brooklyn (Park Slope area) or Financial District, New York, locations or request an appointment using the online scheduler.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Q & A

What is PTSD?

One of the most basic human imperatives is a flight or fight response, which is designed to protect them from harm. When this instinct comes up against a traumatic or dangerous event, it can leave people with residual effects that usually resolve themselves after some time.

With PTSD, the experience continues to affect you long after the period when your body should have recovered.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD has garnered much-needed attention in recent years because of its effects on veterans. But battle-weary soldiers aren’t the only ones PTSD changes. Many women succumb to the disorder after sexual abuse, as well as people who experience the sudden death of a loved one. Survivors of natural disasters, car accidents, and other dangerous events are also vulnerable to PTSD.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Every person processes trauma differently, making diagnosing PTSD a bit of a moving target. Most symptoms begin in the months following the incident, but they can also appear years afterward. The most common symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Avoiding certain situations or places
  • Feeling tense and jumpy
  • Startling easily
  • Anger management issues
  • Mood disorders
  • Cognitive problems

Because of the wide range of symptoms, Dr. Salvage diagnoses PTSD if you have all of the following symptoms for at least one month:

  • One or more re-experiencing symptoms, such as flashbacks
  • At least one avoidance behavior
  • A minimum of two reactivity symptoms
  • Two or more cognition or mood symptoms

The best way to figure out whether you’re dealing with PTSD is to sit down with Dr. Salvage to review the event and your subsequent symptoms.

How is PTSD treated?

As a psychotherapist with broad experience in many different modalities, Dr. Salvage brings a host of treatment options to bear and tailors them to your unique situation. Treatment may include:

  • Psychotherapy, including short-term dynamic psychotherapy
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Hypnosis
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • EMDR (eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing)

This last treatment has been very successful in treating PTSD, which is why Dr. Salvage achieved level III certification in EMDR. With this specialized training, Dr. Salvage can help you negotiate your PTSD and overcome it, allowing you to get back to your life.


To get help for your PTSD, call David Salvage, MD, FAPM, or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.

Dr. Salvage does not take insurance but can supply documentation for you to send to your insurance if you have out of network benefits.