PTSD Treatment

What is PTSD?

PTSD is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience, or witnessing, of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood. Most survivors return to normal given a little time. However, some people will have reactions that don’t go away on their own or may even get worse overtime. These people may develop PTSD.

Treatment for PTSD

When someone has PTSD it can be hard for them to deal with their past and instead of telling others how they feel they keep it bottled up inside. There are specialized treatments for PTSD that will allow a person to target their trauma and begin to heal.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH-CBT), the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), British Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) are just a few of the organizations promoting the use of CBT as a treatment for PTSD. In fact, as stated previously, the NCPTSD states that CBT is “the most effective type of counseling for PTSD” used today (NCPTSD). On their websites, the NIMH and NCPTSD outline the symptoms of the disorder, methods of diagnosis, the treatment options available, and provide links to other resources such as videos, therapists, and links to the websites of other various trauma organizations.

Talk Therapy for PTSD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy starts with a form of “Talk Therapy”. Talking to a therapist can help those suffering from PTSD feel better. One on one therapy with a counselor is a good place to start to help relieve the stress and anxiety of associated with not talking about the trauma. Talk therapy also helps the client get to the source of their PTSD so that they can find ways to cope and heal from the trauma. Talk therapy for PTSD is used by psychiatrist, psychologist, peer counselors and spiritual therapists who may or may not have their PH.D degrees so make sure to research your doctor or counselor for the best care possible.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for PTSD is mainly used in the treatment of PTSD. Medications also work fairly effectively for the treatment of PTSD. Medications such as serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI which is also used for depression can be used as PTSD treatment.

Exposure Therapy for PTSD allows the individual to have less fear about their memories. It is based on the idea that people learn to fear things such as thoughts, feelings, and situations that may remind them of the past trauma. Breathing exercises and talking about the trauma with a therapist will help the individual get control over their feelings and thoughts again.

Group Therapy for PTSD allows the individual to talk with a group of people who have also been through trauma and who have PTSD. Sharing their story with others may help them to be more comfortable sharing their story and talking about their trauma. It can also help them to cope with their symptoms, memories, and other parts of their life.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for PTSD is a type of PTSD treatment that helps the individual learn different ways of dealing with emotional conflicts caused by their trauma. This PTSD treatment helps the individual understand how their past affects the way they feel now.

There is also Family Therapy as a PTSD Treatment. PTSD can affect the whole family as children and spouses may not understand why the person with PTSD gets so angry sometimes or why they are under so much stress. They can end up feeling scared, guilty, resentful or even angry about your condition. Family therapy includes the whole family and a therapist that helps the family to communicate and maintain good relationships. The therapist can also help with coping mechanisms to deal with tough emotions.

Any type of PTSD treatment usually lasts for 3 to 6 months. Some PTSD treatments can last longer. An individual who has PTSD and other mental health problems will probably need treatment for 1 to 2 years or even longer.

If your loved one is in need of drug, alcohol addiction or PTSD treatment please give us a call at 800-951-6135.

Sources:

http://www.heal-post-traumatic-stress.com/talktherapy.html
http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/2009/CBT_PTSD.htm
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/gen-treatment.asp