Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric condition that occurs in the aftermath of a traumatic event. It involves constant flashbacks, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma that can leave you in a state of extreme fear. Treatment of PTSD is extremely important for you to be able to better manage your symptoms and regain control over your life.
Treatments For PTSD
The primary objectives of PTSD treatment are to limit the impact of its physical and emotional symptoms, enhance the patient’s ability for daily functioning, and improve the overall quality of life. Treatment for PTSD typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both 1.
A 2003 study 2 found that around 46% of patients with PTSD can improve within a period of 6 weeks with psychotherapy. Moreover, 62% of people experience improvement after receiving medication. Unfortunately, about 50% of people with PTSD do not receive treatment.
Here are some of the most popular methods of treating PTSD.
I. Psychotherapy
Psychological interventions 3 are regarded as first-line treatment 4 for PTSD and in some cases 5, have been found to be more effective than pharmacotherapy.
Some of the commonly used psychotherapeutic techniques for PTSD treatment include
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is possibly the most effective treatment 6 for PTSD and is specifically recommended for victims of assault, combat, and mixed traumas. A form of CBT known as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT 7) is considered especially beneficial for treating PTSD. Around 66% of patients 8 respond effectively to TF‐CBT.
Prolonged exposure therapy 9 is one of the well-known methods of this therapy technique. It involves recalling painful details about the traumatic event and exposing yourself to external reminders of the trauma under the guidance of a therapist, to eventually gain control over your emotions and reactions.
Research 10 provides ample evidence of the high efficacy of exposure-based methods for PTSD treatment.
Cognitive processing therapy 11 is another type of CBT that is especially helpful in addressing related symptoms of depression, anxiety, and guilt in PTSD.
Read More About CBT Here
B. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is a form of PTSD therapy that requires you to remember aspects of the traumatic event while making rhythmic eye movements 12.
The rapid eye movements aim to create an effect similar to how the human brain processes memories while sleeping. The aim of EMDR therapy is to create positive associations with previously disturbing memories.
EMDR has been found to produce faster results than trauma-focused CBT in post-traumatic stress disorder treatment.
C. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The assumption underlying ACT 13 is that people often attempt to intentionally suppress intrusive thoughts and memories in PTSD. An acceptance and commitment therapist encourages you to face your thoughts and feelings and accept them for what they are while helping you to eventually come to terms with the trauma.
D. Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis-based treatment methods 14 have also proven to be quite effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms. However, further research is required to fully understand its advantages.
E. Other Therapies
Several other PTSD treatment approaches exist apart from the ones we just discussed, such as
II. Medications
There is as such no medication specifically indicated for PTSD treatment. Certain drugs may however be prescribed for symptom relief. Some of the most prescribed medications for post-traumatic stress disorder include 18
- Antidepressants such as SNRIs and SSRIs [Read more]
- Anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
- Beta-blockers
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) along with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) like venlafaxine 19, are considered the first-line drugs 20 for PTSD. However, antidepressants may increase suicidal behavior in patients below 24 years of age. Pharmacological agents like prazosin 21 are usually prescribed as a treatment for PTSD nightmares.
Medical treatment often goes hand-in-hand with psychotherapy.
Takeaway
If you are suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and finding it challenging to function in everyday life, seeking professional help is extremely important.
A qualified and experienced healthcare professional can help you figure out the best PTSD treatment plan with minimal side effects to ensure a fast recovery. With the right kind of help, it can be possible for you to experience a significant improvement in your symptoms within a few weeks.
At A Glance
- PTSD treatment can involve both psychotherapy and medication.
- Some common psychological interventions for PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
- Medications such as antidepressants may also be prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of PTSD.
- Certain alternative methods of treatment for PTSD include yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and psychedelics.
- Seeking professional help can help in effective and fast recovery from PTSD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can psychedelic drugs cure PTSD?
2. Is there a definitive cure for PTSD?
With the appropriate help, it is possible to completely recover from PTSD using a variety of methods. However, PTSD treatment demands a certain amount of time, effort, and patience to be fully effective.
3. What is the best type of therapy to treat PTSD?
Exposure-based therapies are considered to be the most effective PTSD treatment.
4. How do you treat PTSD without medication?
There are several psychotherapeutic methods (for example, CBT) to treat PTSD which are often found to be more effective than medical treatment.
5. How do you treat PTSD at home?
PTSD usually requires professional help to be treated. However, some self help strategies such as meditation, exercise, and healthy diet can hasten the process of recovery.
6. Can PTSD go away without treatment?
Sometimes, PTSD symptoms can diminish on their own without treatment. However, for long term recovery, therapy or medication is often crucial.
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PTSD Test
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