Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur when you’ve experienced a traumatic event, witnessed a traumatic event, or are repeatedly exposed to details about a traumatic event. Some may even develop post-traumatic stress disorder after learning someone close to them experienced or was affected by a traumatic event.
Common symptoms of PTSD include disturbed sleep, aggressive behavior, lack of concentration, extreme anxiety and more. Each of us act and react differently in response to these events, and that is ok. To properly diagnose this condition, both a thorough physical and psychological evaluation are necessary.
Effective Treatments For PTSD
Learning how to spot, address, and cope with symptoms can dramatically change your PTSD recovery. Here are three effective treatments for PTSD you may want to consider.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Unlike other forms of psychotherapy, CBT is a more engaged, collaborative form of talk therapy that requires the patient and clinician to work together in developing a problem-focused, action-based strategy to restore mental wellness. CBT can be especially effective in treating PTSD by analyzing the patient’s relationship between their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Developing a personalized treatment plan with a licensed therapist who specializes in CBT and PTSD is a powerful treatment measure.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR)
EDMR therapy is used to access and process traumatic memories while identifying and removing the blocks that prevent healing. It is an eight-phase treatment developed in the early 80s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. While a relatively new form of treatment compared to traditional psychotherapy, it has been recognized as effective by the American Psychiatric Association and Department of Defense, among others.
Pharmacological Approach
There are many pharmacological options that may provide relief from symptoms of PTSD. Choosing which one is most likely to work for you may depend on your symptoms, medical conditions, and medical history. There are many FDA approved products that claim to minimize or eliminate distressing symptoms of various ailments, although it may require some trial and error to find the one that works best for you. Speak with a licensed psychiatrist who can advise you on the best steps to take.
Support Strategies to Accelerate Recovery
Here are a few emotional and physical support strategies to accelerate recovery.
- Educate yourself and others
- Develop a daily routine
- Make wellness a priority
- Join a support group
- Prepare distraction techniques
- Get outside
- Incorporate meditation and mindfulness
- Explore journaling and creative activities
- Spend time with positive people
- Invest time in positive experiences
Post-traumatic stress disorder can last months, years, or a lifetime. Don’t wait to get help. For PTSD treatments and support strategies to accelerate recovery, schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professionals today.