Presented by BetterHelp.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a complex mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s life. But for those experiencing symptoms of PTSD, there’s no reason to lose heart. Today, effective treatments exist to help individuals regain a sense of control and well-being.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common and effective treatments for PTSD, including both psychotherapies and medications.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such events may include, but aren’t limited to, serious accidents, rape/sexual assault, war/combat, historical trauma, natural disasters, bullying, terrorist acts and intimate partner violence.

PTSD symptoms vary widely, but typically may include flashbacks, nightmares, and intense and disturbing thoughts about the trauma that recur long after the traumatic event(s) took place. Patients may feel anger, sadness or fear and experience being detached or isolated from other people in their lives. Many people experiencing PTSD avoid situations that remind them of the traumatic event(s) or may display a dramatic negative response to ordinary occurrences like a loud noise or an unexpected touch.

It’s important to note that many people who experience trauma may also experience symptoms like those associated with PTSD in the days immediately following the trauma. However, for a person to be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms typically must last for more than a month and must cause significant distress or challenges to the individual’s daily functions.

By some estimates, PTSD affects 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year. Women are twice as likely as men to experience PTSD, and three ethnic groups – U.S. Latinos, African Americans and Native Americans/Alaska Natives – report higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites.

Potential Therapies for PTSD

Several treatments and interventions are available today for people experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Here’s a closer look at what they entail:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT stands out as a cornerstone treatment for PTSD, focusing on understanding the interplay among thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It targets current challenges and symptoms, aiming to change patterns of behavior, thoughts and feelings that may make daily functioning difficult.

Cognitive Processing Therapy: CPT is a specialized form of CBT designed to help patients modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma they’ve experienced. By addressing these beliefs, individuals can work to process their traumatic experiences in a healthier way.

Cognitive Therapy: Derived from CBT, cognitive therapy involves modifying pessimistic evaluations and memories of trauma. The goal is to interrupt disturbing patterns of thought and behavior that interfere with daily life, thus promoting healing and recovery.

Prolonged Exposure: PE is another specific type of CBT that involves gradually approaching trauma-related memories, feelings and situations that the patient would otherwise choose to avoid. By facing these challenges, individuals learn that trauma-related cues are not dangerous, helping reduce avoidance and distress.

Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy: This approach blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with a psychodynamic approach to address emotions like shame and guilt. It typically features 16 individual sessions and is suitable for individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: EMDR is a structured therapy that involves focusing on the trauma memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements). This stimulation helps reduce the vividness and emotion associated with traumatic memories.

More information on EMDR is available here: www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-is-rapid-eye-movement-therapy/.

Narrative Exposure Therapy: NET helps individuals establish a coherent life narrative to contextualize traumatic experiences. It’s often used in group treatment for refugees and focuses on recapturing self-respect and acknowledging human rights

Medications: For some patients, antidepressants like sertraline and paroxetine may offer relief from symptoms including depression and anxiety. However, medication choices should be carefully tailored to individual circumstances, considering factors like side effects, personal preference and treatment history.

Combined Approaches: It’s important to note that any PTSD treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person may not work for another. Plus – treatment effectiveness can depend on various factors such as the severity of symptoms, the individual’s history and their support system.

Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medication can yield effective results, offering skills training, cognitive restructuring and symptom management. In addition, the choice between individual or group therapy largely depends on personal preferences and therapeutic goals.

Self-Care and Support: In addition to formal treatments, good self-care practices, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking social support, can be vital for managing PTSD symptoms. Friends and loved ones also play a crucial role, offering understanding, patience and encouragement throughout the recovery process.

The Bottom Line

PTSD treatment is a collaborative journey that includes the individual, their healthcare provider and their chosen support network. It’s essential to communicate openly about symptoms, treatment preferences, and any challenges encountered along the way.

By embracing a comprehensive approach to PTSD treatment, patients can build tremendous resilience in the face of adversity. And by understanding available treatment options and working closely with healthcare providers, those with PTSD can find relief from symptoms and embark on a healthy path.