Individual Therapy for PTSD
Group Therapy for PTSD
Medication Used for PTSD
Although PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy alone, PTSD medication may be helpful in certain situations. Medication may be particularly useful in cases during which extreme anxiety or depression is preventing the person from participating in psychotherapy or engaging in other aspects of their treatment plan. Medications may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, sleep aids, and mood stabilizers. Medications can take a few weeks to fully kick in and start having an effect, so it’s important for people to give them time to work. People with PTSD and their clinicians need to carefully weigh the potential benefits of the medication against the potential risks. No one medication works for everyone, and some medications can have dangerous or even fatal side effects. That said, some people may benefit from starting PTSD treatments with medication alone and then switching to psychotherapy when the medication has reduced their symptoms enough that they’re ready to participate in the group setting.
Types of Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that incorporates movement and imagery to help heal trauma-related feelings and memories. EMDR often uses forms of dance and movement therapy to facilitate the process of becoming aware and processing repressed or dissociated memories. EMDR can be especially helpful in treating trauma that involves childhood sexual abuse and other types of interpersonal violence. EMDR can help people process and heal memories that they may have been holding onto for a long time without being fully conscious of them.
Support Groups for Trauma Survivors
What Are the Causes of PTSD?
What Lifestyle Changes Can Help With PTSD?
The Link Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
Because of the chemical changes in the brain that occur with PTSD, people with PTSD are at a higher risk for substance abuse. There are two main ways that PTSD and substance abuse can go hand in hand:
- Comorbidity: PTSD and substance abuse disorders often co-occur. This means that people with PTSD are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder as well.
- PTSD symptoms: Certain symptoms of PTSD can make people more likely to self-medicate, which can lead to substance abuse. These include anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Participating in a comprehensive PTSD treatment program that includes substance use disorder treatment can help reduce the risk for substance abuse and promote recovery for both disorders.
Symptoms of PTSD
How to Know if You Have PTSD
Long-Term Consequences of Untreated PTSD
Strategies for Coping With and Preventing PTSD After a Traumatic Event
Seeing a Mental Health Provider for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be a challenging experience for anyone who suffers from it. Fortunately, PTSD can be treated, and people who find the right approach for their symptoms can recover and lead healthy, happy lives again. With the right treatment plan, most people with PTSD can recover. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many treatment options available to help you recover from the experience of PTSD and lead a happier, healthier life again.
As we’ve discussed, PTSD can be treated in a number of different ways. The best treatment approach for someone will depend on their specific symptoms and needs as well as their goals for recovery. Ultimately, as with most mental illnesses, what matters is that treatment is evidence-based and compassionate. At a quality outpatient rehab, mental health professionals can help people with PTSD symptoms and severe anxiety process traumatic memories and return to emotional and physical health. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but with enough time, overcoming PTSD is very possible. Most survivors end up emerging stronger than ever before.
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