Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
There is no definitive treatment nor is there a cure for PTSD. A variety of therapies can help relieve symptoms. You will not begin treatment for PTSD until after you are completely removed from the traumatic event. You will first receive treatment for severe Depression , suicidal tendencies, drug or alcohol abuse.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
Cognitive-behavior therapy involves changing your thinking patterns to improve symptoms. Your therapist may teach you techniques to manage anxiety, stress, and anger.
Many mental health concerns are caused by a combination of physiological and emotional triggers. CBT can help patients cope by decreasing the effects of emotional triggers.
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Exposure Therapy
In exposure therapy, the therapist brings back the imagery of the event in a safe place. You are gradually guided through a visualization. Re-experiencing the trauma in a controlled environment can help you let go of fear and gain control over the anxiety. For example, a study involving female military personnel found that exposure therapy was effective in relieving PTSD symptoms.
Group Therapy
Meeting in a group with other survivors of trauma can be an effective and powerful form of therapy for PTSD sufferers.
Medication
Medication may help with anxiety, depression, and Insomnia. Usually antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed. Anti-anxiety medications may be used in the short term and/or beta-blockers in the long term to calm some of the physical symptoms of severe PTSD.
