Treating and Preventing PTSD
The treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been broken down into several types of treatment options. Due to the advancement in research over the past years, Mental Health Professionals have a better understanding of PTSD and have created multiple effective solutions to help a patient resolve the disorder. According to the American Psychological Association, the list of the most effective treatments backed by research include:
- Prolonged-exposure therapy: The therapist helps the patient recall the traumatic event and attempts to guide the explain to the patient in detail about the circumstances and reality of the event. By exposing the patient to the cause of their disorder, this allows the patient to gain control of their thoughts and feelings around the incident.
- Cognitive-processing therapy: The process of cognitive-processing therapy allows the patient to learn about the disorder and how the disorder has affected the patient's perspective on the world, his or herself, and others. Patients are taught techniques to manage the anxiety, such as deep breathing and positive thinking.
- Eye-movement desensitization and processing: EMDR for short, is when the therapist guides the client into making eye movements while recalling the traumatic event. Although EMDR is the most controversial treatment for PTSD, it has been supported by research.
- Medications: Specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are useful for treating patients that have additional symptoms such as anxiety and depression. However, before or even after being diagnosed with PTSD the patient may decide to self-medicate to cope with the symptoms by using drugs such as Marijuana, Alcohol, Heroin etc.
Preventing PTSD can be achieved by the support of family and friends after experiencing a traumatic event, understanding why the the horrific event occurred, and if needed, seeking additional help from a Mental Health Professional.