How is PTSD treated?
The main treatments for people with PTSD are psychotherapy ("talk" therapy), medications, or both. Everyone is different, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It is important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health care provider who is experienced with PTSD. Some people with PTSD need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms
If someone with PTSD is going through an ongoing trauma, such as being in an abusive relationship, both of the problems need to be treated. Other ongoing problems can include panic disorder, depression, substance abuse, and feeling suicidal.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is "talk" therapy. It involves talking with a mental health professional to treat a mental illness. Psychotherapy can occur one-on-one or in a group. Talk therapy treatment for PTSD usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks, but can take more time. Research shows that support from family and friends can be an important part of therapy
Many types of psychotherapy can help people with PTSD. Some types target the symptoms of PTSD directly. Other therapies focus on social, family, or job-related problems. The doctor or therapist may combine different therapies depending on each person’s needs.
One helpful therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. There are several parts to CBT, including:
- Exposure therapy. This therapy helps people face and control their fear. It exposes them to the trauma they experienced in a safe way. It uses mental imagery, writing, or visits to the place where the event happened. The therapist uses these tools to help people with PTSD cope with their feelings.
- Cognitive restructuring. This therapy helps people make sense of the bad memories. Sometimes people remember the event differently than how it happened. They may feel guilt or shame about what is not their fault. The therapist helps people with PTSD look at what happened in a realistic way.
- Stress inoculation training. This therapy tries to reduce PTSD symptoms by teaching a person how to reduce anxiety. Like cognitive restructuring, this treatment helps people look at their memories in a healthy way.
This is an outtake from a publication produced by The National Institute of Mental Health
Military to VA Transition Advocate, VA Benefits Educator, Connector, Health and Wellness Conscious
9 年Great post Mike! Also, great photo of the Mobile Vet Center!
Florida Veterans Hall of Famer, Proven Leader, Public Servant, Retired Army Combat Veteran
9 年I think the VA and DoD sole focus on the veteran when treating PTSD is shortsighted. If the Veteran or service member has a family, they need to be treated as well. By treating the family (Bowen) you actually increase the effectiveness of decreasing PTSD symptoms.
Chief Marketing Officer - CMO, ICATAP, LLC
9 年A friend of mine (woman) is dealing with PTSD in her marriage - it is real & heartbreaking in the toll it takes on a marriage. Will share this with her. Thank you & thank our Veterans & their families!